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Tiny treadmills help babies with Downs syndrome
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Down syndrome affects one in every 800 babies. It's a genetic condition that causes delays in intellectual and physical development. Researchers have now developed a treadmill for Down's babies to help them walk earlier than ever before. Typically, these children learn how to walk at 24 to 28 months, later than the 12 months for those without Downs. This delay affects not only a child's independence but also other developmental milestones. In addition, children with Down Syndrome tend to be less physically active and have slower metabolic rates, meaning they will likely enter school carrying excess body weight. Improving walking skills might help counter that problem.
The treadmill exercise, used about 8 minutes a day, helps to reinforce the underlying pattern of coordination in the legs. This repetition helps build core muscles and support the drive to stand up. After the babies take eight to 10 steps without help, they are outfitted with light reflecting markers. The information from these markers is recorded on cameras, revealing gait, speed and width of their steps. Researchers show walking is occurring six months sooner with the treadmill.
Once the babies take eight to ten steps by themselves, they are evaluated at the Gait Laboratory where information from light-reflecting markers attached to the child is recorded on cameras. Studies show the babies learn to walk six months earlier than kids without treadmill training, and the quality of their walking is much better. It doesn't sound like much, but it can mean a world of difference. Babies can start their treadmill training as early as eight to 10 months of age.
Video of babies on treadmill is available at: http://ummedia04.rs.itd.umich.edu/~nis/treadmill.mov.
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