Quantification of postural sway in adult Down's syndrome

Static balance was studied by conventional platform posturography in adults with Down's syndrome (mean age 31 years) and compared to two healthy control groups of different ages (mean ages 29 and 76 years, respectively). All probands were examined while standing upright and fixating a small point in front at eye level. Mean values of sway path, away area, anteroposterior and lateral sway were determined for conditions 'eyes open' (EO) and 'eyes closed' (EC). Compared to the young controls, Down's subjects had higher values of sway path (EO and EC), sway area (EO), and anteroposterior sway (EO). Compared to the older controls, Down's subjects had increased mean sway path (EO and EC). These results show that impairment of static balance previously reported in childhood and adolescent Down's syndrome persists in adulthood.