Motor performance of children with Down syndrome and typical development at 2 to 4 and 26 months

To compare gross motor performance of children with Down syndrome (DS) and typical development (TD) at 2 to 4 months (Phase I) and at 2 years of age (Phase II) and to investigate the relation between early motor performance and later outcome. Seventeen infants (10 with TD and 7 with DS) were assessed in Phase I using the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP); 25 children were assessed in Phase II using the gross motor scale of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Bayley-III); 10 participants were enrolled in both phases. TIMP and Bayley-III scores were lower in the DS group. In both groups, TIMP z scores were predictive of Bayley-III scores. Children with DS show difficulties in early postural control and activities requiring speed, postural control, and balance. The finding that early performance relates to later outcome reinforces the relevance of early and task-specific intervention.