Article

The main objective of this study is to understand the differences in equilibrium
control between normal subjects and those with Down syndrome. A total of 54
subjects participated voluntarily, divided into control group and Down syndrome
group. The equilibrium of the subjects was tested under two conditions: bipedal
support with eyes open and closed. The signals were analyzed in a time and
frequency domain. The statistical parameters selected (i.e., RMS distance, mean
velocity, mean frequency and sway area) to analyze the behavior of the center of
pressures (CoP) are calculated employing the result of the combination of the
time series data in both directions (i.e. resultant distance). In order to
calculate the frequency bands produced by the displacements of the CoP, a Fast
Fourier Transform of the data was performed. The group with Down syndrome showed
poorer static equilibrium control than the control group in the time domain. In
the frequency domain, we found differences between the groups in the distribution
of energy in the frequency bands analyzed. In addition, we observed the existence
of an interaction effect of the group and the condition tested (p<0.001). These
findings show that in the absence of visual information, the control group
increases the energy at low frequencies, while the group with Down syndrome
decreases it. Additionally, the lower amount of energy observed in this band
under the 'eyes closed' condition may serve to identify abnormalities in the
functioning of the vestibular apparatus of individuals with Down syndrome and/or
difficulties experienced by these individuals in extracting relevant information
from this route.
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Langue : ANGLAIS