21/05/2025
Physiotherapy Management of Down Syndrome 💛
Empowering movement, milestones & lifelong well-being
Down syndrome (DS), caused by trisomy 21—an extra copy of chromosome 21—is the most common survivable autosomal aneuploidy. It’s a genetically complex condition with a wide range of physical and developmental challenges. Research using mouse models of trisomy has enhanced our understanding of how these extra genes contribute to the clinical features of DS.
🌟 The Role of Physiotherapy in Down Syndrome Across Life Stages 🌟
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in supporting individuals with Down syndrome through all phases of life:
👶 Early Intervention
Helps infants build motor skills, prevent compensatory movement patterns & reach key milestones like sitting, crawling, and walking.
📌 Fun fact: By 36 months, 92% of children with Down syndrome walk independently! 🏃♂✨
🧑🎓 Adolescence & Young Adulthood
Encourages regular physical activity to boost strength, coordination, and mental well-being. Staying active builds confidence and independence! 💪🧠
👵 Adulthood & Ageing
Supports mobility, counters early-onset ageing, and helps delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease with tailored exercise routines.
🔄 Movement is medicine for lifelong health! ❤️
Physiotherapy is not just about movement—it's about unlocking potential and improving quality of life at every stage. 🌍💙
“Over the past century, life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased from 9 to 60 years, potentially matching the general population within a generation. However, this success is tempered by higher risk of chronic health conditions. (Shields & Australian Physiotherapy Association, 2021)."
📚Reference:
Shields, N. & Australian Physiotherapy Association (2021),
Journal of Physiotherapy, 67, pp. 243–251.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphys.2021.08.016
Lim Wei Yang
University of Cyberjaya
Physiotherapist Student
