Children with Down syndrome lack which type of extension (position)?

• A. Antigravity extension
• B. Gravity-dependent extension
• C. Hyperextension extension
• D. Passive extension

Answer: (A)

Antigravity extension is the ability to hold an extended posture against the pull of gravity, requiring strong trunk and proximal extensor muscles. Children with Down syndrome commonly have hypotonia and ligamentous laxity, which reduce extensor tone and control. This makes it hard to maintain extended positions, so they often prefer flexed, rounded postures and struggle with antigravity extension. The other options don’t fit: gravity-dependent extension isn’t a standard descriptor for a developmental deficit; hyperextension would imply excessive extension beyond normal; and passive extension implies an externally driven position rather than active control against gravity.