Measurement of performance of basic daily skills and assessment of motor function of Filipino adolescent and adult persons with down syndrome /
Sharon D. Ignacio [and three others]
OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to measure the performance in activities of daily living and to assess the motor function of adolescent and adult persons with Down syndrome.
METHODS: Member families of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI) were contacted for inclusion of adolescents and adults into the study. There were 12 adolescents and 7 adults who participated in the study. The functional status was assessed using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) Instrument. Scores were given based on the answers of parents/guardians/caregivers. The ability to perform other daily living skills was assessed using a checklist, the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). The motor function was assessed by evaluating the muscle strength (manual muscle testing); range of motion of joints (goniometer); and gait deviation while the subjects were walking. Subjects also underwent a complete physical and neurologic evaluation.
RESULTS: Both adolescent and adult subjects with Down Syndrome in this study were functionally independent in locomotion and mobility. Lower scores were noted in terms of communication, social cognition skills and sphincter control. For self care, the patients were more independent in grooming, eating and upper garment dressing compared to bathing, lower garment dressing skills and toileting. Gross motor function was good in most patients. Adult subjects (FIM score 102-126) performed better than their adolescent counterparts (FIM score 81-126). The lowest FIM score was noted in the youngest subject. For the motor function, all subjects were ambulatory an able to perform kicking, standing on tiptoes and on heels; muscle strength assessed by manual muscle testing was normal in almost all the subjects; range of motion of joints was normal in majority of subjects but a significant number had limited movement at the ankle joints; and in doing instrumental activities of daily living skills (IADLS), majority of subjects were independent.
CONCLUSION: All the adolescent and adult subjects in the study were independent in locomotion and mobility using the FIM instrument. Motor function based on the results of the manual muscle testing and performance of instrumental activities of daily living (ADL's) in some household chores were good in both adolescents and adult subjects.