Article

The aim of this study was to examine the responsiveness of the Test of Basic
Motor Skills for Children with Down Syndrome (BMS). Forty-one children with Down
Syndrome, 3 to 36 months of age, participated in the study. Gross motor skills
were assessed three times using the BMS and the Gross Motor Function Measure
(GMFM) before and after a baseline period of 2 weeks (T1-T2) and after a period
of 16 weeks (T2-T3). Internal and external responsiveness of the BMS was analyzed
using Guyatt's Responsiveness Index (GRI) and 2 x 2 repeated measures. Change in
BMS scores was compared to change in GMFM scores and parent and physiotherapist
ratings of change. The responsiveness of the BMS was large (GRI = 2.55). A
significant Time x Age interaction [F(1,37) = 8.87, p < .01] indicated that BMS
scores increased more for children <or= 2 years compared with children 2 to 3
years of age. The difference in GRI between the BMS and GMFM was 0.75 (95% CI
-0.25-1.75), indicating that the BMS and GMFM did not significantly differ in
responsiveness. The Time x Measure interaction was not significant, indicating
that the increase in mean BMS and GMFM scores did not differ. Change in BMS
scores were correlated with parent ratings of change (r = 0.65, p < .001) but not
physiotherapist ratings (r = 0.36, p = .23). The results provide evidence that
the BMS is responsive to change in gross motor development in children with Down
Syndrome from 3 to 36 months of age.

Langue : ANGLAIS