Grip and pinch strength in children with Down syndrome

Introduction Children with Down syndrome present with joint laxity, hypotonia and shortened hands resulting in reduced grip and pinch strength. Limited information on grip and pinch strength in children with Down syndrome motivated this study. Methods A convenience sample of 30 children with Down syndrome (9–16 years) from special schools and 30 age- and gender-matched healthy school children was studied. Grip and pinch strength were measured according to ASHT standard procedure using JAMAR® dynamometer and B&L pinch gauge. Anthropometric data of upper limb and subject characteristics were recorded. Results Children with Down syndrome had significantly lower values for grip, palmar and key pinch strength (p