Manual Dexterity of Children and Adolescents with Down Syndrome:Systematic Review of the Literature

Abstract

Purpose Children with Down syndrome present particular characteristics from the diagnosis, specially hands with particularities like regarding size, strength, folds, among other features. Such characteristics can affect the functional performance in relation to manual skills. This study aims to check the scientific literature available in digital media studies on children and adolescents with Down syndrome from 0 to 17 years of age who have undergone evaluation aiming to improve manual dexterity ability. Methods The methodology consisted of extensive research conducted in the last 10 years of scientific literature with the approach of the above theme, selected from LILACS, MEDLINE, SciELO, PubMed, Scopus described according to pre-defined DeCS and Mesh: manual dexterity, fine hand skills, fine motor skills, Down syndrome, evolution and intervention. Results Only eight articles addressing manual dexterity assessment in children with Down syndrome were found, however not all of them presented appropriate tools for fine motor skills evaluation. Conclusion There are few studies related to the theme comprising this population. More specific evaluation studies and intervention should be developed with this population, because these children and adolescents present slower manual dexterity, when compared to typical children.