The biomechanical characteristics of the ankle during gait of 17 participan
ts with Down syndrome, ages 8 to 36 years, were investigated. Ten volunteer
s without disabilities of comparable anthropometric parameters were the con
trol group. A 3-dimensional gait analysis was performed using an optoelectr
onic system equipped with a force platform. Participants with Down syndrome
showed significant decreases of plantar-flexor moments and of Al and A2 jo
int powers. Furthermore, correlation between kinetic and temporal spatial p
arameters was markedly reduced or weak in comparison to the control group.
These results point out a hypofunctioning of ankle, probably due to hypoton
ia and ligament laxity.