Patterns and determinants of Tummy Time in infants with Down syndrome during the first six months of life: São Paulo T21 cohort

• Grant number: 25/18896-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Maternal and Child Health
• Agreement: Instituto Jô Clemente
• Principal Investigator: Fábio Bertapelli
• Grantee: Vanessa Moreira Chaves de Almeida
• Host Institution: Instituto de Saúde e Sociedade (ISS). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Baixada Santista. Santos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/12022-8 - São Paulo T21 Birth Cohort Study: longitudinal study of health and development of children with Down Syndrome in the city of São Paulo, AP.JP

Abstract

Evidence indicates that children with trisomy 21 (T21) exhibit low levels of physical activity. Recommendations to combat inactivity emphasize engaging in physical activities from the first months of life. According to the World Health Organization, children under 1 year of age should accumulate at least 30 minutes of tummy time (TT) per day. However, no studies to date have examined TT trajectories in children with T21 during the first months of life.The aims of this study are: (1) to examine TT trajectories during the first 6 months of life in children with T21 enrolled in the T21 São Paulo Cohort; and (2) to investigate gross motor function, health, and rehabilitation services as determinants of TT in children with T21.The working group (GT21) will collect prospective data at 3 and 6 months of age from children with T21 residing in São Paulo city. Gross motor function will be assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Bayley-III). TT volume (min/24h), adherence to WHO recommendations for TT (30 min/day), and acceleration (g) will be measured using a wearable sensor positioned on the chest for a continuous 48-hour period, along with the Tummy Time Diary developed and validated by the T21 Cohort. Health components and rehabilitation services will be assessed via questionnaires.We expect that our findings will contribute to establishing a baseline for studies on the origins of inactivity and to guiding early interventions for children with T21.