Combination of fundamental movement patterns in normal children, normal adults and Down Syndrome adults

Abstract

The present study investigated how individuals with and without Down Syndrome combine fundamental patterns. The criterion adopted to identify the combination was the existence of an overlap between the skills involved so that the transition between them occurred without interruption. Three groups of individuals (GC = seven normal children; GA = seven normal adults and GSD = seven adults with Down Syndrome) took part in the investigation. They had to run with a tennis ball in the hand, and throw it as far as possible. The individuals had three attempts in the task, which were filmed, and the distance attained was also registered. From the video recordings was possible to estimate the speed of running. The majority of individuals combined movement patterns. However, there were qualitative differences in the pattern of combination. Normal adults behaved more consistently. The children's pattern was not different from Down Syndrome individuals.