Award Date

5-15-2026

Degree Type

Doctoral Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Committee Member

Daniel Young

Second Committee Member

Thessa Hilgenkamp

Third Committee Member

Kai-Yu Ho

Number of Pages

51

Abstract

Background: Individuals with Down Syndrome (Ds) frequently have sedentary lifestyles and Ds-specific physical impairments such as ligamentous laxity and hypotonia. These impairments often contribute to gait deviations that reduce the efficiency of ambulation. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 12-week exercise program on spatiotemporal characteristics of gait and kinematic variables at the hip, knee, and ankle in adults with Down syndrome (Ds). Methods: A randomized control trial of 40 participants was conducted with two groups: one group of adults with Ds who participated in a 12-week exercise program, and a control group who did not. Spatiotemporal variables and joint angle kinematic data during comfortable and fast walking were recorded at pre- and post-assessments with a Zeno Walkway gait mat and Kinovea video editing software. Results: Significant interaction effects with medium (p < 0.05; η2 0.06 - 0.140) to large (p < 0.05; η2 >0.140) effect sizes indicated increases in hip and knee extension, walking cadence, and time spent in single-leg stance during gait for the participants within the intervention group when compared to the control group. Conclusion: Participating in the 12-week Mann Method Physical Therapy-Based Exercise program improved spatiotemporal and kinematic variables during comfortable and fast walking in adults with Ds.

Keywords

Down syndrome; physical therapy; gait; kinematic

Disciplines

Physical Therapy

File Format

PDF

File Size

20770 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

Rights

IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

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