{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,10,22]],"date-time":"2026-10-22T02:41:29Z","timestamp":1792636889198,"version":"4.5.0"},"reference-count":60,"publisher":"Frontiers Media SA","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2025,3,11]],"date-time":"2025-03-11T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1741651200000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"content-domain":{"domain":["frontiersin.org"],"crossmark-restriction":true},"short-container-title":["Front. Neurol."],"abstract":"<jats:sec><jats:title>Background<\/jats:title><jats:p>Vojta therapy (VT) enhances postural control and improves gait abilities. However, there is limited evidence regarding the impact of home-based VT on individuals with Down syndrome (DS).<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Objective<\/jats:title><jats:p>This study aimed to assess the feasibility and preliminary effects of a two-week home-based VT program on spatiotemporal gait parameters in individuals with DS.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Methods<\/jats:title><jats:p>Sixteen individuals with DS (mean age\u202f=\u202f17.88\u202f\u00b1\u202f4.57\u202fyears, 8 females) participated in a two-week home-based VT program. Feasibility was measured through adherence rates and the occurrence of adverse events. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were evaluated before and after the intervention using the Vicon motion capture system.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Results<\/jats:title><jats:p>All participants (100%) successfully completed the home-based VT program with no reported adverse events. Significant improvements were observed in walking speed, cadence, step time (left and right), stride time (left and right), step length (left and right), stride length (left and right), and single support (left and right) (<jats:italic>p<\/jats:italic>\u202f&amp;lt;\u202f0.05).<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Conclusion<\/jats:title><jats:p>This preliminary study suggests that home-based VT is a feasible approach and can lead to meaningful improvements in spatiotemporal gait parameters for individuals with DS. Further research with larger sample sizes, more robust designs, and extended follow-up periods is recommended.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec>","DOI":"10.3389\/fneur.2025.1537635","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2025,3,11]],"date-time":"2025-03-11T05:12:02Z","timestamp":1741669922000},"update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/crossmark-policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":3,"title":["Exploring the impact of home-based Vojta therapy on gait performance in individuals with Down syndrome: a preliminary feasibility study"],"prefix":"10.3389","volume":"16","author":[{"given":"Guoping","family":"Qian","sequence":"first","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Ewelina","family":"Perzanowska","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Dominika","family":"Wilczy\u0144ska","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Mirela","family":"Kozakiewicz","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Hongli","family":"Yu","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Marcelina","family":"Hej\u0142a","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Zbigniew","family":"Ossowski","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"1965","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2025,3,11]]},"reference":[{"key":"ref1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"844","DOI":"10.1038\/nrn3314","article-title":"Down syndrome: the brain in trisomic mode","volume":"13","author":"Dierssen","year":"2012","journal-title":"Nat Rev Neurosci"},{"key":"ref2","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"2344","DOI":"10.1056\/NEJMra1706537","article-title":"Down syndrome","volume":"382","author":"Bull","year":"2020","journal-title":"N Engl J Med"},{"key":"ref3","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1281","DOI":"10.1016\/S0140-6736(03)12987-X","article-title":"Down's syndrome","volume":"361","author":"Roizen","year":"2003","journal-title":"Lancet"},{"key":"ref4","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"9","DOI":"10.1038\/s41572-019-0143-7","article-title":"Down syndrome","volume":"6","author":"Antonarakis","year":"2020","journal-title":"Nat Rev Dis Primers"},{"key":"ref5","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e2022057010","DOI":"10.1542\/peds.2022-057010","article-title":"Health supervision for children and adolescents with Down syndrome","volume":"149","author":"Bull","year":"2022","journal-title":"Pediatrics"},{"key":"ref6","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1543","DOI":"10.1001\/jama.2020.17024","article-title":"Global Down syndrome Foundation medical care guidelines for adults with Down syndrome workgroup. Medical Care of Adults with Down syndrome: a clinical guideline","volume":"324","author":"Tsou","year":"2020","journal-title":"JAMA"},{"key":"ref7","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"4495","DOI":"10.1007\/s00415-020-10179-w","article-title":"Neurologic complications of Down syndrome: a systematic review","volume":"268","author":"Santoro","year":"2021","journal-title":"J Neurol"},{"key":"ref8","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e031392","DOI":"10.1161\/JAHA.123.031392","article-title":"Impact of Down syndrome on survival among patients with congenital heart disease","volume":"13","author":"Engsner","year":"2024","journal-title":"J Am Heart Assoc"},{"key":"ref9","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"142","DOI":"10.3345\/cep.2021.00479","article-title":"Gross motor dysfunction and balance impairments in children and adolescents with Down syndrome: a systematic review","volume":"65","author":"Jain","year":"2022","journal-title":"Clin Exp Pediatr."},{"key":"ref10","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"303","DOI":"10.1589\/jpts.32.303","article-title":"Gait and postural control patterns and rehabilitation in Down syndrome: a systematic review","volume":"32","author":"Zago","year":"2020","journal-title":"J Phys Ther Sci"},{"key":"ref11","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"14988","DOI":"10.1038\/s41598-022-19086-8","article-title":"Neuromuscular exercise in children with Down syndrome: a systematic review","volume":"12","author":"Rodr\u00edguez-Grande","year":"2022","journal-title":"Sci Rep"},{"key":"ref12","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"151","DOI":"10.1111\/jar.12392","article-title":"Prediction of energy expenditure during walking in adults with Down syndrome","volume":"31","author":"Agiovlasitis","year":"2018","journal-title":"J Appl Res Intellect Disabil"},{"key":"ref13","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"189","DOI":"10.17392\/917-17","article-title":"Attainment of gross motor milestones in children with Down syndrome in Kosovo - developmental perspective","volume":"14","author":"Beqaj","year":"2017","journal-title":"Med Glas (Zenica)"},{"key":"ref14","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"719","DOI":"10.1111\/jir.12176","article-title":"Fine motor and self-care milestones for individuals with Down syndrome using a retrospective chart review","volume":"59","author":"Frank","year":"2015","journal-title":"J Intellect Disabil Res"},{"key":"ref15","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"691","DOI":"10.3390\/pediatric15040062","article-title":"Motor skills and executive functions in pediatric patients with Down syndrome: a challenge for tailoring physical activity interventions","volume":"15","author":"Vandoni","year":"2023","journal-title":"Pediatr Rep."},{"key":"ref16","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"181","DOI":"10.3390\/healthcare12020181","article-title":"Impact of physical activity on autonomy and quality of life in individuals with Down syndrome: a systematic review","volume":"12","author":"Mu\u00f1oz-Llerena","year":"2024","journal-title":"Healthcare (Basel)"},{"key":"ref17","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"4912625","DOI":"10.1155\/2020\/4912625","article-title":"Effects of massage therapy on the development of babies born with Down syndrome","volume":"2020","author":"Pinero-Pinto","year":"2020","journal-title":"Evid Based Complement Alternat Med"},{"key":"ref18","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"57","DOI":"10.3233\/PRM-170507","article-title":"Interventions to improve sensory and motor outcomes for young children with central hypotonia: a systematic review","volume":"11","author":"Paleg","year":"2018","journal-title":"J Pediatr Rehabil Med"},{"key":"ref19","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"527","DOI":"10.1007\/s00198-017-4360-1","article-title":"Effects of whole-body vibration on muscle strength, bone mineral content and density, and balance and body composition of children and adolescents with Down syndrome: a systematic review","volume":"29","author":"Saquetto","year":"2018","journal-title":"Osteoporos Int"},{"key":"ref20","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1041","DOI":"10.1111\/jir.12606","article-title":"Physical therapy in Down syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis","volume":"63","author":"Ruiz-Gonz\u00e1lez","year":"2019","journal-title":"J Intellect Disabil Res"},{"key":"ref21","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"CD009242","DOI":"10.1002\/14651858.CD009242.pub3","article-title":"Treadmill interventions in children under six years of age at risk of neuromotor delay","volume":"2017","author":"Valent\u00edn-Gudiol","year":"2017","journal-title":"Cochrane Database Syst Rev"},{"key":"ref22","first-page":"128","volume-title":"The basic elements of treatment according to Vojta. Management of the motor disorders of children with cerebral palsy","author":"Vojta","year":"1984"},{"key":"ref23","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"85","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ijmedinf.2018.02.010","article-title":"A computer vision-based system for monitoring Vojta therapy","volume":"113","author":"Khan","year":"2018","journal-title":"Int J Med Inform"},{"key":"ref24","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"783","DOI":"10.1007\/s13760-020-01320-7","article-title":"Gait rehabilitation after stroke: review of the evidence of predictors, clinical outcomes and timing for interventions","volume":"120","author":"Selves","year":"2020","journal-title":"Acta Neurol Belg"},{"key":"ref25","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"13","DOI":"10.1186\/s12984-021-00824-4","article-title":"Cortical activity during sensorial tactile stimulation in healthy adults through Vojta therapy. A randomized pilot controlled trial","volume":"18","author":"Sanz-Esteban","year":"2021","journal-title":"J Neuroeng Rehabil"},{"key":"ref26","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"3866","DOI":"10.3390\/jcm11133866","article-title":"Electromyographic response of the abdominal muscles and stabilizers of the trunk to reflex locomotion therapy (RLT). A Preliminary Study","volume":"11","author":"P\u00e9rez-Robledo","year":"2022","journal-title":"J Clin Med"},{"key":"ref27","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"3203","DOI":"10.3390\/biomedicines11123203","article-title":"Synergy of muscle and cortical activation through Vojta reflex locomotion therapy in Young healthy adults: a pilot randomized controlled trial","volume":"11","author":"S\u00e1nchez-Gonz\u00e1lez","year":"2023","journal-title":"Biomedicines"},{"key":"ref28","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"567","DOI":"10.3390\/jcm11030567","article-title":"Reflex locomotion therapy for balance, gait, and fatigue rehabilitation in subjects with multiple sclerosis","volume":"11","author":"Carratal\u00e1-Tejada","year":"2022","journal-title":"J Clin Med"},{"key":"ref29","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"S90","DOI":"10.5213\/inj.2142344.172","article-title":"Vojta approach affects neck stability and static balance in sitting position of children with Hypotonia","volume":"25","author":"Ha","year":"2021","journal-title":"Int Neurourol J"},{"key":"ref30","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"293","DOI":"10.3233\/THC-191726","article-title":"The Vojta approach changes thicknesses of abdominal muscles and gait in children with spastic cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial, pilot study","volume":"28","author":"Sung","year":"2020","journal-title":"Technol Health Care"},{"key":"ref31","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1391448","DOI":"10.3389\/fneur.2024.1391448","article-title":"Critical review of the evidence for Vojta therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis","volume":"15","author":"S\u00e1nchez-Gonz\u00e1lez","year":"2024","journal-title":"Front Neurol"},{"key":"ref32","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"329","DOI":"10.18071\/isz.74.0329","article-title":"Seg\u00edti-e a cerebralis paresisben szenved\u0151 gyermekek brutt\u00f3 motoros funkci\u00f3inak fejl\u0151d\u00e9s\u00e9t a Vojta-m\u00f3dszer? [is the implementation of Vojta therapy associated with faster gross motor development in children with cerebral palsy?]","volume":"74","author":"Sanz-Mengibar","year":"2021","journal-title":"Ideggyogy Sz"},{"key":"ref33","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"23","DOI":"10.1186\/s42466-020-00070-4","article-title":"Vojta therapy improves postural control in very early stroke rehabilitation: a randomised controlled pilot trial","volume":"2","author":"Novak","year":"2020","journal-title":"Neurol Res Pract"},{"key":"ref34","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1091","DOI":"10.3390\/healthcare11081091","article-title":"Effects of chest physiotherapy in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome: a systematic review","volume":"11","author":"Igual Blasco","year":"2023","journal-title":"Healthcare (Basel)"},{"key":"ref35","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e0256455","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pone.0256455","article-title":"Feasibility of a home-based physiotherapy intervention to promote post-stroke mobility: a randomized controlled pilot study","volume":"17","author":"Jarbandhan","year":"2022","journal-title":"PLoS One"},{"key":"ref36","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1868","DOI":"10.3390\/children10121868","article-title":"Exploring the influential factors impacting the provision of family-centered Care for Children with cerebral palsy in Saudi Arabia","volume":"10","author":"Alharbi","year":"2023","journal-title":"Children (Basel)"},{"key":"ref37","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e035454","DOI":"10.1136\/bmjopen-2019-035454","article-title":"Feasibility and effectiveness of home-based therapy programmes for children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review","volume":"10","author":"LWME","year":"2020","journal-title":"BMJ Open"},{"key":"ref38","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"946","DOI":"10.1001\/jama.2019.12964","article-title":"Effect of a multicomponent home-based physical therapy intervention on ambulation after hip fracture in older adults: the CAP randomized clinical trial","volume":"322","author":"Magaziner","year":"2019","journal-title":"JAMA"},{"key":"ref39","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"700","DOI":"10.1001\/jama.2014.469","article-title":"Effect of a home-based exercise program on functional recovery following rehabilitation after hip fracture: a randomized clinical trial","volume":"311","author":"Latham","year":"2014","journal-title":"JAMA"},{"key":"ref40","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"361","DOI":"10.2105\/ajph.94.3.361","article-title":"Improving the reporting quality of nonrandomized evaluations of behavioral and public health interventions: the TREND statement","volume":"94","author":"Des Jarlais","year":"2004","journal-title":"Am J Public Health"},{"key":"ref41","article-title":"Das Kind in der Vojta-Therapie: Ein Begleitbuch f\u00fcr die Praxis","author":"Orth","year":"2011"},{"key":"ref42","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"256","DOI":"10.12965\/jer.2142328.164","article-title":"Feasibility and efficacy of the Vojta therapy in subacromial impingement syndrome: a randomized controlled trial","volume":"17","author":"Ju\u00e1rez-Albuixech","year":"2021","journal-title":"J Exerc Rehabil"},{"key":"ref43","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e47","DOI":"10.2196\/mhealth.8518","article-title":"Patient involvement with home-based exercise programs: can connected health interventions influence adherence?","volume":"6","author":"Argent","year":"2018","journal-title":"JMIR Mhealth Uhealth"},{"key":"ref44","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1591","DOI":"10.3390\/s17071591","article-title":"A study of Vicon system positioning performance","volume":"17","author":"Merriaux","year":"2017","journal-title":"Sensors (Basel)"},{"key":"ref45","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"2085","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jbiomech.2016.05.007","article-title":"Analysis of accuracy in optical motion capture - a protocol for laboratory setup evaluation","volume":"49","author":"Eichelberger","year":"2016","journal-title":"J Biomech"},{"key":"ref46","year":""},{"key":"ref47","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"169","DOI":"10.1177\/1539449215578649","article-title":"The distinctive features of a feasibility study: objectives and guiding questions","volume":"35","author":"Orsmond","year":"2015","journal-title":"OTJR (Thorofare N J)"},{"key":"ref48","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"502","DOI":"10.1016\/j.gaitpost.2008.03.001","article-title":"Joint stiffness and gait pattern evaluation in children with Down syndrome","volume":"28","author":"Galli","year":"2008","journal-title":"Gait Posture"},{"key":"ref49","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"170","DOI":"10.1097\/NPT.0b013e3182386de1","article-title":"Patterns of gait variability across the lifespan in persons with and without Down syndrome","volume":"35","author":"Smith","year":"2011","journal-title":"J Neurol Phys Ther"},{"key":"ref50","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"158","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ridd.2010.09.009","article-title":"Gait development during lifespan in subjects with Down syndrome","volume":"32","author":"Rigoldi","year":"2011","journal-title":"Res Dev Disabil"},{"key":"ref51","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"512","DOI":"10.1016\/j.gaitpost.2005.06.007","article-title":"Coordination of pelvis-HAT (head, arms and trunk) in anterior-posterior and medio-lateral directions during treadmill gait in preadolescents with\/without Down syndrome","volume":"23","author":"Kubo","year":"2006","journal-title":"Gait Posture"},{"key":"ref52","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"123","DOI":"10.1589\/jpts.29.123","article-title":"A comparison of the balance and gait function between children with Down syndrome and typically developing children","volume":"29","author":"Jung","year":"2017","journal-title":"J Phys Ther Sci"},{"key":"ref53","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"608","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ridd.2011.11.003","article-title":"Effects of exercise on physical fitness in children with intellectual disability","volume":"33","author":"Golubovi\u0107","year":"2012","journal-title":"Res Dev Disabil"},{"key":"ref54","first-page":"46","article-title":"White paper: \"walking speed: the sixth vital sign\"","volume-title":"J Geriatr Phys Ther","author":"Fritz","year":"2009"},{"key":"ref55","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"166","DOI":"10.1097\/XEB.0000000000000085","article-title":"Physical therapy interventions for gross motor skills in people with an intellectual disability aged 6 years and over: a systematic review","volume":"14","author":"Hocking","year":"2016","journal-title":"Int J Evid Based Healthc"},{"key":"ref56","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"13051","DOI":"10.1038\/s41598-022-16332-x","article-title":"Therapeutic exercise to improve motor function among children with Down syndrome aged 0 to 3 years: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis","volume":"12","author":"Rodr\u00edguez-Grande","year":"2022","journal-title":"Sci Rep"},{"key":"ref57","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"479","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jbmt.2018.06.006","article-title":"Virtual reality in the rehabilitation process for individuals with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome: a systematic review","volume":"24","author":"Lopes","year":"2020","journal-title":"J Bodyw Mov Ther"},{"key":"ref58","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"743","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1532-5415.2006.00701.x","article-title":"Meaningful change and responsiveness in common physical performance measures in older adults","volume":"54","author":"Perera","year":"2006","journal-title":"J Am Geriatr Soc"},{"key":"ref59","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"82","DOI":"10.1097\/NPT.0b013e318218e2f2","article-title":"Estimating clinically important change in gait speed in people with stroke undergoing outpatient rehabilitation","volume":"35","author":"Fulk","year":"2011","journal-title":"J Neurol Phys Ther"},{"key":"ref60","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"219","DOI":"10.1016\/j.gaitpost.2012.02.020","article-title":"Voluntary changes in step width and step length during human walking affect dynamic margins of stability","volume":"36","author":"McAndrew Young","year":"2012","journal-title":"Gait Posture"}],"container-title":["Frontiers in Neurology"],"original-title":[],"link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fneur.2025.1537635\/full","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2025,6,18]],"date-time":"2025-06-18T07:35:48Z","timestamp":1750232148000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fneur.2025.1537635\/full"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025,3,11]]},"references-count":60,"alternative-id":["10.3389\/fneur.2025.1537635"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fneur.2025.1537635","relation":{},"ISSN":["1664-2295"],"issn-type":[{"value":"1664-2295","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2025,3,11]]},"article-number":"1537635"}}