The Effects of Physical Therapy in the Rehabilitation of Motor Delays in Children with Down Syndrome: A Systematic Review

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: This study's primary goals are to evaluate the effects of physical therapy on motor delays in children with Down Syndrome, identify the most successful interventions, look at current trends in the field, and suggest future directions for clinical and research development by reviewing the scientific literature published over the past ten years. <b>Methods</b>: Using reputable databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database), Web of Science, and NIH, an electronic search of scholarly literature was carried out between January and April 2025. To organise the findings and select the most pertinent papers, a search strategy was required. <b>Results</b>: The studies analysed provide a complex picture of how different types of physical therapy interventions affect children and adolescents with Down syndrome. <b>Conclusions</b>: Physical therapy interventions suggest greater effectiveness during the early stages of motor development in children with Down Syndrome; however, the evidence, based on six heterogeneous studies, remains moderate and does not support definitive recommendations. In clinical practice, physical therapists are advised to design individualised programmes that address specific needs, utilising traditional therapies, online training, or movement stimulation techniques, and to systematically monitor their outcomes.

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Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Published
2026-02-24
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15051717
Primary Topic
Down syndrome and intellectual disability research
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

The Effects of Physical Therapy in the Rehabilitation of Motor Delays in Children with Down Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Carmen Pârvu, Cristina Veres, Ioan Teodor Hășmășan, Dan Alexandru SZABO et al.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Down syndrome and intellectual disability research
article

The Effects of Physical Therapy in the Rehabilitation of Motor Delays in Children with Down Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Carmen Pârvu, Cristina Veres, Ioan Teodor Hășmășan, Dan Alexandru SZABO, Heidrun ADUMITRACHIOAIE, Adina Stoian, Ioan Sabin Sopa
article en

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: This study's primary goals are to evaluate the effects of physical therapy on motor delays in children with Down Syndrome, identify the most successful interventions, look at current trends in the field, and suggest future directions for clinical and research development by reviewing the scientific literature published over the past ten years. <b>Methods</b>: Using reputable databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database), Web of Science, and NIH, an electronic search of scholarly literature was carried out between January and April 2025. To organise the findings and select the most pertinent papers, a search strategy was required. <b>Results</b>: The studies analysed provide a complex picture of how different types of physical therapy interventions affect children and adolescents with Down syndrome. <b>Conclusions</b>: Physical therapy interventions suggest greater effectiveness during the early stages of motor development in children with Down Syndrome; however, the evidence, based on six heterogeneous studies, remains moderate and does not support definitive recommendations. In clinical practice, physical therapists are advised to design individualised programmes that address specific needs, utilising traditional therapies, online training, or movement stimulation techniques, and to systematically monitor their outcomes.

Journal of Clinical MedicineVol. 15(5)
Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu (RO), "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati (RO), Universitatea de Medicină, Farmacie, Științe și Tehnologie „George Emil Palade” din Târgu Mureș (RO)
Openalex Percentile: Top 48%
Down syndrome and intellectual disability research
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