Groundwork for Dance-based Intervention to Enhance Gross Motor Skills in Children with Down Syndrome: A Malaysian Setting
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37134/jsspj.vol14.2.10.2025Keywords:
Contemporary Dance, Down syndrome, Gross Motor Skills, ChildrenAbstract
Children with Down syndrome often face delays in gross motor development, which can restrict daily activities. Despite the recognised benefits of dance for physical and mental well-being, research on dance-based interventions customised for Malaysian children with Down syndrome remains limited. This study aimed to lay a foundation for future interventions by examining current gross motor skills and pinpointing key design considerations. A scoping review, which included eight selected articles, and interviews with six experts were conducted, and the data were analysed thematically. Six considerations were identified concerning locomotor skills, object control skills, single-leg balance, torso strength and flexibility, progression of complex movements, and gender-neutral application. Contemporary dance, focusing on Cunningham’s techniques, was identified as an effective approach, with other dance forms following, each with necessary adaptations to enhance gross motor development
Downloads
References
Ali, S. (2023). Anak sindrom down mampu jalani hidup berkualiti. Berita Harian Online. https://www.bharian.com.my/wanita/keluarga/2023/04/1084949/anak-sindrom-down-mampu-jalani-hidup-berkualiti
Arslan, F. N., Dogan, D. G., Canaloglu, S. K., Baysal, S. G., Buyukavci, R., & Buyukavci, M. A. (2022). Effects of early physical therapy on motor development in children with Down syndrome. Northern Clinics of Istanbul, 9(2), 156–161. https://doi.org/10.14744/nci.2020.90001
Asrol, A. A. (2023). Kementerian Pendidikan kaji semula keperluan pendidikan khas untuk Sindrom Down - Utusan Malaysia. Utusan Malaysia. https://www.utusan.com.my/nasional/2023/03/kementerian-pendidikan-kaji-semula-keperluan-pendidikan-khas-untuk-sindrom-down/
Barros, N. P., Araújo, D. S., de Lima, E. B., de Carvalho, I. P., Lima, S. D. S., & Costa, L. G. T. (2020). Effects of kayaking on motor skills in children and adolescents with down syndrome. Revista Brasileira de Medicina Do Esporte, 26(4), 302–306. https://doi.org/10.1590/1517-869220202604220312
Beerse, M., & Wu, J. (2018). Vertical stiffness and balance control of two-legged hopping in-place in children with and without Down syndrome. Gait & Posture, 63, 39–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.gaitpost.2018.04.026
Bernama (2021). Intervensi awal penting bagi anak sindrom down belajar dan berdikari - Ras Adiba | Astro Awani. https://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/intervensi-awal-penting-bagi-anak-sindrom-down-belajar-dan-berdikari-ras-adiba-293676
Buckley, S., Mondschein, E., DiLaura, A., & Gilbert, J. (2021). Down Syndrome: Guidelines for Inclusive Education (2nd ed.). National Down Syndrome Society & Down Syndrome Education International. https://go.dselink.net/appg-education-report
Capio, C. M., Mak, T. C. T., Tse, M. A., & Masters, R. S. W. (2018). Fundamental movement skills and balance of children with Down syndrome. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research : JIDR, 62(3), 225–236. https://doi.org/10.1111/JIR.12458
Chen, L., Wang, L., Wang, Y., Hu, H., Zhan, Y., Zeng, Z., & Liu, L. (2022). Global, Regional, and National Burden and Trends of Down Syndrome From 1990 to 2019. Frontiers in Genetics, 13, 908482. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2022.908482
Chui, A., Mcleod-Maenpaa, J., Zhang, A., Rotenberg, S., & Vasquez, B. (2025). Errorless Learning for Everyday Functioning in Adults With Brain Injury: A Scoping Review. OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research. https://doi.org/10.1177/15394492241292263
Çimen, E., & Alp, H. (2024). Adapted Games for the Development of Gross Motor and Manipulative Skills of Primary School Children with Down Syndrome. Journal of Sport Sciences Research, 9(2), 163–180. https://doi.org/10.25307/jssr.1417849
Cosma, G., Dragomir, M., Nanu, M. C., Brabiescu-Calinescu, L., & Cosma, A. (2017). The Influence of the Dance for People With Down Syndrome. Bulletin of the “Transilvania” University of Brașov, 10(59), 83–88. https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/influence-dance-people-with-down-syndrome/docview/1932126421/se-2
Graham, M., Milanowski, A., Miller, J., & Henderson, A. (2012). Measuring and Promoting Inter-Rater Agreement of Teacher and Principal Performance Ratings. Center for Education Compensation Reform. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED532068.pdf
Harris, J. (2012). Merce Cunningham: The Accidental Icon. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/217023281.pdf
Jain, P. D., Nayak, A., Karnad, S. D., & Doctor, K. N. (2021). Gross motor dysfunction and balance impairments in children and adolescents with Down syndrome: a systematic review. Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics, 65(3), 142. https://doi.org/10.3345/cep.2021.00479
Kamrujjaman, M. (2019). Comparative Study of Supporting Services for Children with Down’s syndrome and Their Families: Perspective of United Kingdom and Bangladesh. Current Trends in Clinical & Medical Sciences, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.33552/ctcms.2019.01.000501
Lestari, I., & Ratnaningsih, T. (2016). The Effects of Modified Games on the Development of Gross Motor Skill in Preschoolers. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE), 5(3), 216–220. https://ijere.iaescore.com/index.php/IJERE/article/view/4542/2735
Lokoviti, M., & Pitsi, A. (2025). The Role of Contemporary Dance in Early School-Age Motor Development. International Journal of Research -GRANTHAALAYAH, 13(3), 218-227–218–227. https://doi.org/10.29121/granthaalayah.v13.i3.2025.5996
Malak, R., Kostiukow, A., Krawczyk-Wasielewska, A., Mojs, E., & Samborski, W. (2015). Delays in motor development in children with Down syndrome. Medical Science Monitor, 21, 1904–1910. https://doi.org/10.12659/msm.893377
Mann, S., Spiric, J., Mitchell, C., & Hilgenkamp, T. I. M. (2023). Development of a Physical Therapy-Based Exercise Program for Adults with Down Syndrome. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(4), 3667. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043667
Palisano, R. J., Walter, S. D., Russell, D. J., Rosenbaum, P. L., Gémus, M., Galuppi, B. E., & Cunningham, L. (2001). Gross motor function of children with Down syndrome: Creation of motor growth curves. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 82(4), 494–500. https://doi.org/10.1053/apmr.2001.21956
Phytanza, D. T. P., Burhaein, E., & Pavlovic, R. (2021). Gross motor skills levels in children with autism spectrum disorder during the covid-19 pandemic. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, 9(4), 738–745. https://doi.org/10.13189/saj.2021.090418
Quinzi, F., Vannozzi, G., Camomilla, V., Piacentini, M. F., Boca, F., Bortels, E., Kathrein, E., Magyar, A., Verdone, F., & Sbriccoli, P. (2022). Motor Competence in Individuals with Down Syndrome: Is an Improvement Still Possible in Adulthood? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2022, Vol. 19, Page 2157, 19(4), 2157. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042157
Rosalinda MD Said. (2023). Latihan, Kemahiran untuk Sindrom Down Masih Rendah. Utusan Malaysia. https://doi.org/https://www.utusan.com.my/pendidikan/2023/03/latihan-kemahiran-untuk-sindrom-down-masih-rendah/
Saljoughian, M. (2023). An Overview of Down Syndrome. U.S. Pharmacist, 48(10), 32–33. https://doi.org/10.47957/ijciar.v7I2.174
Schott, N., & Holfelder, B. (2015). Relationship between motor skill competency and executive function in children with Down’s syndrome. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 59(9), 860–872. https://doi.org/10.1111/jir.12189
Shodrina, R. N., Ds, S., Muhammad, I. D. R. S. A. S., Sn, S., Program, M. S., Sarjana, S., Produk, D., Rupa, S., & Desain, D. (2025). Perancangan Fasilitas Terapi Sensori Integrasi Yang Difokuskan Pada Gerak Lokomotor Peserta Didik Down Syndrome di Sekolah Dasar Luar Biasa. Jurnal Pengabdian Inovasi Sosial Ekonomi, 2(01), 22–31. https://jurnal.line.or.id/index.php/jpisi/article/view/93
Snyder, J. (2018). Dancing with Down Syndrome: A Look at the Effects and Benefits of Dance Movement Therapy on the Emotional Well-Being and Overall Quality of Life for Individuals with Down Syndrome. In Honors Theses. https://digitalcommons.assumption.edu/honorstheses/41
Sutapa, P., Pratama, K. W., Rosly, M. M., Ali, S. K. S., & Karakauki, M. (2021). Improving Motor Skills in Early Childhood through Goal-Oriented Play Activity. Children, 8(11), 994. https://doi.org/10.3390/children8110994
Tan, C. C. (2025). Theory and Practice in Fostering Children’s Creativity Through Creative Dance Based on a Brain-Compatible Dance Education Model. 351–375. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-2524-6_20
Winders, P., Wolter-Warmerdam, K., & Hickey, F. (2019). A schedule of gross motor development for children with Down syndrome. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 63(4), 346–356. https://doi.org/10.1111/jir.12580
Yichen, M. (2024). The similarities and difference between Chinese classical dance and Western ballet. Frontiers in Art Research, 6(3: 81-86), 81–86. https://doi.org/10.25236/FAR.2024.060314
Zalavadiya, G., Pandani, R., & Zalavadiya, G. D. (2023). Advancement in gross motor and fine motor functions with quality of daily activities through brain gym exercise in Down syndrome children: an interventional study. Scope, 13, 345–353. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370492536
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Mak Foong Ming, Mumtaz Begum Aboo Backer, Vina Tan Phei Sean
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
