PROFILE OF FINE MOTOR FUNCTIONING AND GRIP STRENGTH IN CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME

**BACKGROUND:**Down syndrome (also known as trisomy 21) is the most common cause of intellectual disability and motor delay. It affects growth development and social participation throughout the lifespan. People with Down syndrome now have a normal life and life role expectancy. Fine motor function is essential for daily living, social, emotional, academic, and cognitive activities. Fine motor skills and grip strength are paramount to providing a profile of a child’s strengths and weaknesses; based on the in-depth assessment; the therapist can develop individualized therapy programs to facilitate their integration into school life and employment.

**PURPOSE:**To assess fine motor skills and grip strength in children with Down syndrome between the age group of 6-18 years using the Peg Board Dexterity Test, Test of In-hand Manipulation Skills, and sphygmomanometer.

**BENEFITS:**The child’s participation will help identify fine motor skills and grip strength in children with Down syndrome and help develop individualized therapy programs to facilitate their integration into school life and employment. This is a one-time study and the data will be used for research purposes only.

**PROCEDURE:**The screening will be done prior to the procedure. Demographic data (height, weight, BMI, Dominance) of each participant will be collected. For the assessment, the child will take the test while sitting comfortably on a chair with their feet flat on the ground. Dexterity, in-hand manipulation skills, and grip strength will be assessed using different tools. How quickly and accurately the child can work with their hands will be assessed. The test objects will be presented to the child and movement quality will be assessed simultaneously. For an accurate assessment of skill, video analysis will be taken. The tests are designed in the form of games to keep it interesting and scoring will be done. The child will be given adequate breaks in between the test. If the child’s attention is wavering, the test will be paused, and the child will be given a rest period and commenced.

**CONFIDENTIALITY:**The information produced as a result of this study will be treated as privileged and confidential. It will not be revealed without your consent. However, the information may be used for statistical analysis, publication, or teaching purposes with your right to privacy retained.

**REQUEST FOR MORE INFORMATION:**The participants may ask more questions about the study at any time to Shilpika Shyamsunder Dhuri who will be available to answer the questions.

**REFUSAL OR WITHDRAWAL OF PARTICIPATION:**Participation in the study is completely voluntary and that participant may refuse their participation or withdraw consent and discontinue at any time.