Daytime Sleep Problems Are Related to Fine Motor Function in Persons with Down Syndrome

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Daytime Sleep Problems Are Related to Fine Motor Function in Persons with Down Syndrome
Language: English
Authors: C.-C. Chen (ORCID 0000-0001-6963-3795), S. D. R. Ringenbach (ORCID 0000-0001-7420-6683)
Source: International Journal of Disability, Development and Education. 2025 72(4):614-625.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 12
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Sleep, Down Syndrome, Psychomotor Skills, Predictor Variables, Adolescents, Adults, Correlation, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Intelligence Tests, Verbal Ability, Vocabulary, Muscular Strength
Geographic Terms: Arizona
Assessment and Survey Identifiers: Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test
DOI: 10.1080/1034912X.2024.2379457
ISSN: 1034-912X
1465-346X
Abstract: Given the high prevalence of sleep problems and fine motor deficits that have been reported in persons with Down syndrome (DS), this study was to investigate the effect of sleep-related problems occurring during the day on fine motor function (i.e. manual dexterity and handgrip strength) in persons with DS. We also tested the moderating role of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in the link between sleep-related problems occurring during the day and fine motor function. It was hypothesised that subtle sleep-related problems occurring during the day would significantly predict fine motor performance. Fifty-two persons with DS, aged 13-54, participated and caregivers completed a sleep questionnaire for their children with DS. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated a greater frequency of sleep-related problems occurring during the day significantly predicted greater manual dexterity deficits. Results also suggested that OSA was the moderator for the association between sleep-related problems occurring during the day and manual dexterity. This study has highlighted the importance of exploring sleep problems that might impair fine motor performance for the DS population in their everyday lives. Additional studies are needed to develop effective interventions to promote sleep hygiene and fine motor development in this population.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1503865
Database: ERIC
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Description
Abstract:Given the high prevalence of sleep problems and fine motor deficits that have been reported in persons with Down syndrome (DS), this study was to investigate the effect of sleep-related problems occurring during the day on fine motor function (i.e. manual dexterity and handgrip strength) in persons with DS. We also tested the moderating role of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in the link between sleep-related problems occurring during the day and fine motor function. It was hypothesised that subtle sleep-related problems occurring during the day would significantly predict fine motor performance. Fifty-two persons with DS, aged 13-54, participated and caregivers completed a sleep questionnaire for their children with DS. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated a greater frequency of sleep-related problems occurring during the day significantly predicted greater manual dexterity deficits. Results also suggested that OSA was the moderator for the association between sleep-related problems occurring during the day and manual dexterity. This study has highlighted the importance of exploring sleep problems that might impair fine motor performance for the DS population in their everyday lives. Additional studies are needed to develop effective interventions to promote sleep hygiene and fine motor development in this population.
ISSN:1034-912X
1465-346X
DOI:10.1080/1034912X.2024.2379457