Can response time be trained with bilateral limb training in children with Down syndrome?

AIMS: Response time (RT), that is, the time taken to respond is known to be delayed in children with Down syndrome (DS). We performed a pilot study to evaluate whether bilateral limb training can be used to train RT, in children with DS. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: 10 children with DS (5 males) were recruited from a special school in a suburban region using convenience sampling. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Response time was measured using an indigenously developed RT Analyzer, before and after intervention, from right and left hand. Structured bilateral limb training was given for a period of 4 weeks, using low-cost, locally available materials, in community settings. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Significant improvements in RT following 4 weeks of intervention were seen in the left hand (P = 0.006) but not in the right hand (P = 0.104). CONCLUSIONS: Response time can be trained in children with DS using 4 weeks of bilateral limb training activities using low-cost, locally available materials.