Relationship of toe grip strength and balance in Down Syndrome children and adolescents having flatfeet

Down syndrome (trisomy 21) is the most common chromosomal disorder which occurs due to the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. it is characterized by intellectual disability, short stature, reduced muscle tone, reduced upper and lower limb muscle strength, balance and proprioception problems and foot abnormalities such as the flat feet (pes planus), which occurs as a result of reduced medial longitudinal arch height of the foot. In flat feet, the foot muscles are prone to get weakened over time. Recent studies have pointed out that a decrease in the size and strength of intrinsic foot muscles can affect the persons’ ability to maintain balance. It has been recognized that children and adolescents with Down Syndrome tend to have flatter feet, but so far no study has attempted to find if there is a relationship between toe grip strength and balance in Down Syndrome children and adolescents having flatfeet.