Limbs & Digits

What's Different ?

Most folk with Down syndrome have shorter limbs, arms and legs are considerably shorter.

• Fingers and toes can be chubby, feet and hands broad and full.

• Grip strength is often weak and wrist strength is limited (often drop)

• Elbows sometimes lock easily and there can be hyper-flexibility to the extreme.

• Instability in the knees (kneecaps) should also be considered along with flat feet with a tendency for knees and feet to turn out.

• Ankles are often weak, particularly when severely dropped arches are apparent.

• Knock knees can also be apparent.

What can we do?

Building up strength in feet and ankles, grip strength in toes.

This simple exercise also encourages balance.

Incorporating squeeze ball exercises where ever you can.

Grip strength is such an integral part of aerial yoga, safety is most important.

Adjustments in hammock height may be required more regularly as our general low, medium and high hammock settings will be different for a person with Down Syndrome.

Using props regularly to support position and balance.

I also have a silk that is slightly smaller (kids size) a little less bulk for clients to get their hands around.

trixcircus.com in Australia have silks for smaller bodies.