Relações entre coordenação motora, funções cognitivas, funcionalidade, e participação social em indivíduos com Síndrome de Down

Abstract

Down Syndrome is a genetic condition that can cause structural and functional alterations in the development of the nervous system. These alterations may be related to difficulties in cognitive, language, and motor skills. Additionally, there are musculoskeletal changes and physical and intellectual dysfunctions that can compromise the autonomy and social participation of individuals with Down Syndrome in daily activities. This study assessed the relationship between motor coordination and cognitive functions, functionality, and social participation of young adults with Down Syndrome through the application of tests and questionnaires validated for this population. The study was conducted with 10 adult individuals (5 women), recruited from APAE Belém, aged 25 years (±3.8), with an average IQ score of 43 points. The data were statistically analyzed using the Jamovi 2.3 software, employing Spearman's correlation test. Regarding the relationship between motor coordination and cognitive functions, positive correlations were found between temporal and spatial orientation, the Mini-Mental State Examination score, and the speed, laterality, and spatialtemporal structuring tests of the KTK battery. Concerning functionality and social participation, motor coordination showed a positive correlation with the self-care and communication domains present in the MIF and LIFE-h 3.1 scales. As for cognitive functions, they positively correlated with the MIF and with the communication domain of LIFE-h 3.1. Thus, our findings showed that the relationships between motor coordination and cognitive functions in young adults with Down Syndrome present significant correlations. They also reveal direct relationships between global motor coordination and social participation in young adults with Down Syndrome, as well as between cognitive ability and functionality and social participation. This study contributes to a better understanding of the associations between motor coordination, cognitive functioning, functionality, and social participation in young adults with Down Syndrome. Its strength lies in its effort to fill gaps in studies on young adults with Down Syndrome, especially regarding their functionality.