DESENVOLVIMENTO MOTOR EM CRIANÇAS COM SÍNDROME DE DOWN: O PAPEL DA FISIOTERAPIA NA IDENTIFICAÇÃO DE ATRASOS - REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA

Introduction: Down syndrome is characterized by significant motor alterations resulting from muscle hypotonia, compromising the acquisition of fundamental motor milestones for child development. Scientific evidence shows that the lack of adequate intervention compromises not only motor aspects, but also the cognitive and social development of these children, making early identification of delays and the implementation of appropriate therapeutic strategies essential. Objective: To analyze the available scientific evidence on the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions in identifying and managing delays in the motor development of children with Down syndrome. Methodology: Systematic review of the literature carried out in the BVS, PubMed and Google Scholar databases, using descriptors related to motor development, physiotherapy and Down syndrome. Ten studies published between 2019-2024 were selected, including randomized clinical trials, case studies and cohort studies, assessed for methodological quality by the PEDro scale. Results: The most effective physiotherapeutic approaches included the Bobath Method, muscle strength training, therapeutic massage, virtual reality, and supervised parental interventions. The studies demonstrated significant improvements in postural control, balance, motor coordination, and acquisition of independent walking. Early intervention was shown to be decisive in reducing delays in the acquisition of walking, with a positive correlation between parental involvement and therapeutic results. Conclusion: Physiotherapy plays a fundamental role in the identification and early intervention of motor development delays in children with Down Syndrome, promoting significant functional gains when implemented in the first months of life and associated with active family involvement in the therapeutic process.