Early Health and Motor Abilities in Down Syndrome
Researchers at Colorado State University are conducting a study in children ages 1.5 – 3 years (18-47 months) with Down syndrome to learn more about how motor skills affect overall health.
Fast Facts
Children 18-47 Months Old
(1.5 Through 3 Years)
Diagnosed with Down Syndrome
Compensation Provided
Conducted in CO, OH, TX
Study Background
Move. Play. Thrive.
Did you know that early motor skills like crawling and walking can shape a child’s overall development and health? We’re exploring how these early abilities relate to long-term health in children with Down syndrome.
As life expectancy increases for individuals with Down syndrome, it’s critical to understand the early skills and activity levels that support a healthy start.
In this study, children ages 18 to 47 months will participate in fun, play-based assessments and wear a physical activity watch at home. Caregivers will complete questionnaires and can also choose to wear a watch.
Most kids enjoy participating, and your involvement will help us learn how to support healthy outcomes for children with Down syndrome!
Study Background
Move. Play. Thrive.
Did you know that early motor skills like crawling and walking can shape a child’s overall development and health? We’re exploring how these early abilities relate to long-term health in children with Down syndrome.
As life expectancy increases for individuals with Down syndrome, it’s critical to understand the early skills and activity levels that support a healthy start.
In this study, children ages 18 to 47 months will participate in fun, play-based assessments and wear a physical activity watch at home. Caregivers will complete questionnaires and can also choose to wear a watch.
Most kids enjoy participating, and your involvement will help us learn how to support healthy outcomes for children with Down syndrome!
Additional Information
The purpose of this research is to learn more about the motor abilities and physical activity-related outcomes of children with Down syndrome (DS) with the ultimate goal of improving health outcomes for children with DS in the future.
Your child may qualify for this study if they meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosed with Down syndrome
- Ages 18-47 months (1.5 through 3 years)
If you decide to take part in this research study, you and your child will be seen in person up to 2 times over the course of each year for three years. Each visit lasts about 90-120 minutes. At each visit, your child will participate in many games that look like play or school with one of our research members. While your child is completing these tasks, you will be asked to fill out several questionnaires about your child’s development.
Parent/Guardian Participation
While your child is completing these tasks, you will be asked to fill out several questionnaires about your child’s development. You will also have the option to wear a watch that measures the body’s physical movement and rest, called an actigraphy watch. You will also have the option to include or not include data regarding your height, weight, and waist circumference.
Child Participation
Your child will participate in developmental assessment activities which are designed to feel like childhood games with one of our research members. These activities include answering questions, pointing, throwing a ball or bean bags, jumping, using different toys, and motor planning games. Your child will be asked to wear a watch that measures the body’s physical movement and rest, called an actigraphy watch. Also, your child will be asked to have their height, weight, and waist circumference recorded by a research team member.
If you agree to take part in this research study, for each year that you and your child complete together, you will receive $100 total for up to 2 visits per year, for your time and effort. At each visit you will be compensated $50, to total $100 of compensation per year as a duo. You may receive compensation up to $300 for completing all three annual waves.
There is no cost for you and your child to participate in our research study.