Conhecimento da habilidade motora e fatores clinicos de crian- ças com sindrome de Down e a sobrecarga de seus cuidadores Knowledge of motor skill and clinical factors of children with Down syndro- me and the burden of their caregivers

Introduction: We know that individuals with Down syndrome, among many limitations, suffer with delayed motor development and can present slowness and lack of coordination, as well as lack of accuracy. These characteristics affect the effectiveness of their movements. However, the current knowledge of the existence of brain plasticity in individuals who develop Down syndrome can help them to seek a wide range of possibilities. Objectives: This study evaluated the motor skills and the clinical characteristics of children with Down syndrome and the knowledge of the mothers regarding the motor skills of their children. We also observed the perception of their caregivers’ burden. It was also confirmed the perception of burden their caregivers. Patients and Methods: We used semi-structured interviews with parents or caregivers, with open and closed questions, and the validated Brazilian version of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) to assess the perceived impact of caregiving. Results: The group of mothers of children with Down syndrome comprised a sample with a mean age of 28 ± 4.5 years, 55% did not plan their pregnancy, and 95% had knowledge about the diagnosis after birth, 80% had no complications during pregnancy, and 45% had never heard about Down syndrome. The orthopedic disorders were the most prevalent ones. The overburden in the quality of life of the mothers of children with Down syndrome was moderate (22.5 ± 10.6). Conclusion: These results seek to increase the knowledge about this population, showing that motor skills can be one of the predictors of burden. Descriptors: Down syndrome; Motor skills; Caregivers.