Efficacy of Sensory Integration Therapy in Improving Gross Motor Coordination and Grip Control in Down Syndrome Children

This work was carried out to investigate the efficacy of sensory integration therapy in improving gross motor coordination and grip control in Down syndrome children. Thirty children were enrolled in this study and randomly assigned into two groups: group A received (sensory integration therapy program plus specific physiotherapy training) and group B received (specific physiotherapy training program only). Motor coordination test measures (Balancing backward, Hopping, Jumping from side to side and Transferring boxes) to test and follow gross motor coordination, handheld dynamometer to test and follow grip control ability and kinesthesia test to test and follow awareness of joint position and movement. These measurements were taken before initial treatment and after 12 weeks of treatment. The children parents in both groups A and B were instructed to complete 3 hours of the home routine program. Data analysis was available on the 30 Down syndrome children participating in the study. The difference between pre- and post-treatment results was more significant in Motor coordination test measures in the study group than the control group. Grip control ability and kinesthesia test demonstrate representative improvement in the study groups (p = 0.0001) while insignificant in the kinesthesia control group and significant in a grip control group. The addition of sensory integration therapy program to specific physiotherapy training is recommended in improving gross motor coordination and grip control abilities in Down syndrome, so this suggested approach may be used as a selective choice for improving posture control and hand functions in Down syndrome children.