The Effects of Different Exteroceptive Experiences on the Early Motor Repertoire in Infants With Down Syndrome.

This is the first study, to our knowledge, on the effects of different exteroceptive conditions, such as a coco coir mattress covered with muslin fabric, on the early motor repertoire in infants with Down syndrome. The findings showed that infants with Down syndrome had heterogeneity in their fidgety movements and large variability of the MOS, and the MOS results from infants with Down syndrome were lower than those of infants who were neurotypical. Fidgety movements and the MOS did not change due to the different exteroceptive experiences in either group. Significant improvements in posture were observed during exposure to a rough-textured surface. The improvement of posture is essential; clinicians might consider the positive effect of putting an infant with Down syndrome on a rough-textured surface and include this strategy in early intervention programs.