Which locomotor training tasks are best for children with Down syndrome?

Starting locomotor training for children with Down syndrome when they can sit independently for more than 30 seconds is advantageous because it signifies a level of core stability and muscle control that is essential for later mobility skills. Sitting balance reflects the child's ability to engage their trunk and hip muscles effectively, which lays a foundation for the coordination and strength required for walking.

Once a child has established a stable sitting posture, it suggests they have developed enough muscular control to begin learning more complex movements like standing and walking. This stage can be effectively built upon with activities that encourage transitioning from sitting to standing, thereby facilitating the development of locomotor skills.

In contrast, initiating locomotor training solely when a child can walk independently may overlook crucial developmental steps in balance and strength. Activities focused on sitting balance do have importance, but they serve as a preliminary stage rather than a starting point for locomotor training. Incorporating outdoor walking challenges, while beneficial for enhancing walking skills once they are more mobile, is not the foundational step needed before developing those skills.