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

TL;DR

This review examines how physical therapy helps children with Down Syndrome improve motor skills, finding that early intervention is most effective but more research is needed.

Contribution

The study systematically reviews recent literature to identify effective physical therapy interventions for motor delays in children with Down Syndrome.

Findings

Physical therapy is more effective in early motor development stages for children with Down Syndrome.

Current evidence is moderate and based on six heterogeneous studies.

Individualized therapy programs with monitoring are recommended for better outcomes.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: 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. Methods: 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. Results: The studies analysed provide a complex picture of how different types of physical therapy interventions affect children and adolescents with Down syndrome. Conclusions: 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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