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Effects of a trampoline exercise intervention on motor performance and balance ability of children with intellectual disabilities
Abstract
Balance and motor impairments are most evident among inactive individuals with ID that might be particularly susceptible to a loss of basic functioning and further limit the person's autonomy in activities of daily living. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of a 12-week trampoline exercise intervention program on motor and balance ability of school aged children with intellectual disability (ID). Eighteen healthy schools aged children (mean age=10.3±1.6 years) with moderate ID were assigned either to an experimental group (n=9) or a control group (n=9). The experiment group attended a 12 weeks trampoline training intervention program consisting of daily individualized 20-min sessions, while the control group followed the regular school schedule. Balance was assessed using three tasks of increased difficulty (double-leg stance with eyes opened or closed, and one-leg stance with eyes opened) performed while standing on an electronic pressure platform (EPS). Motor performance of all participants was tested using sit and reach test and long and vertical jump tests all derived from the Eurofit Test Battery of physical fitness. Trampoline intervention resulted in significant improvements of participants' performance in all motor and balance tests. In conclusion, trampoline training can be an effective intervention for improving functional outcomes and can be recommended as an alternative mode of physical activity programming for improving balance and motor performance. Furthermore, it also supports the idea that individuals with ID require enjoyable and interesting intervention programs such as the trampoline program used in this study so as to remain active and consequently to facilitate their overall development and promote a more active and healthier way of life.
... In a research by Golubovic et al. (2012) that examined the effects of carefully designed physical exercise programs on the development of physical fitness in children with ID, all the participants were assessed using Eurofit Test Battery. In research by Giagazoglou et al. (2013) physical fitness testing included the use of the following three different physical fitness tests derived from the Eurofit Test Battery, that has been previously applied to individuals with ID and found to be a reliable instrument for adolescents with and without ID. Children with ID can be successful in physical education and sports together with their peers without disabilities when the lucubratory skills are modified. ...
... In a study conducted by Giagazoglou et al. (2013) to investigate the effects of trampolin exercise on balance and motor performance of children with ID, significant performance improvements were observed according to the post-test results of a 12-week study with different trampolin exercises. They explained that this balance development occurred as a result of the adaptation of the motor sensors of the participants to the unstable trampoline surface and the effort to maintain the balance. ...
... They explained that this balance development occurred as a result of the adaptation of the motor sensors of the participants to the unstable trampoline surface and the effort to maintain the balance. Giagazoglou et al. (2013) stated that as a result of their study, a wellplanned exercise program would contribute to the development of skill that could make motor performance and balance successful. ...
The aim of this study was to examine the acquisition sufficiency of physical education lesson goals with the help of Eurofit Test Battery. The study included 41 students with moderate and severe intellectual disability (ID) (9 female, 32 male and 29 mentally retarded, 6 down syndrome (DS) and 5 autism) who were studying at Recep Birsin Özen Special Education School in Erzurum in Turkey. Physical education lessons were conducted an hour for a day and two days for each week during eight weeks. Before and after 8 weeks of study, Eurofit Tests were applied after measuring the height and the weight of the students. Data were compared in Spss 20 statistics program at p<0.05 level. In Eurofit Test parameters of the students with moderate and severe ID; it was found a difference statically in pre-test-post-test comparisons of flamingo balance, plate tapping, sit-up, sit and reach, standing broad jump and 10x5 metre shuttle run. In the physical education and sports classes, the goals chosen according to the students' level improved the physical capacities of the students. The individual goals chosen for the students in the special education school affiliated to the Republic of Turkey Ministry of National Education contributed to the development of balance, fastness, leg strength, upper body movement speed and flexibility of the students and did not only contribute to the development of hand strength, arm strength and abdominal muscle strength of the students. The results of our study and the results of previous studies are parallel.
... Six out of eight studies suggested that performing climbing, trampolining, or surfing is associated with a more beneficial body composition or body weight. Twelve of fourteen studies suggested performing lifestyle sports benefits motor skills, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggesting effects of trampolining on jumping height (Atiković et al. 2018;Arabatzi 2018;Giagazoglou et al. 2013) and balance (Arabatzi 2018;Giagazoglou et al. 2013;Zhong et al. 2019), effects of inline skating on balance and jumping height (Muehlbauer et al. 2013), and effects of climbing on balance (Aykora 2019). Three studies suggested the benefits of performing climbing (Aras and Akalan 2016) or surfing (Clapham et al. 2020;Hignett et al. 2018) on cardiorespiratory fitness, whereas nine of fourteen studies suggested an association between performing lifestyle sports and muscle strength/endurance. ...
... Six out of eight studies suggested that performing climbing, trampolining, or surfing is associated with a more beneficial body composition or body weight. Twelve of fourteen studies suggested performing lifestyle sports benefits motor skills, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggesting effects of trampolining on jumping height (Atiković et al. 2018;Arabatzi 2018;Giagazoglou et al. 2013) and balance (Arabatzi 2018;Giagazoglou et al. 2013;Zhong et al. 2019), effects of inline skating on balance and jumping height (Muehlbauer et al. 2013), and effects of climbing on balance (Aykora 2019). Three studies suggested the benefits of performing climbing (Aras and Akalan 2016) or surfing (Clapham et al. 2020;Hignett et al. 2018) on cardiorespiratory fitness, whereas nine of fourteen studies suggested an association between performing lifestyle sports and muscle strength/endurance. ...
... We found eight studies that examined the association between lifestyle sports (climbing, surfing, and trampolining) and flexibility. Overall, five of these studies suggested a beneficial association between performing these sports and flexibility (Clapham et al. 2018;Aykora 2019;Giagazoglou et al. 2013;Koca et al. 2019;Muehlbauer et al. 2012), whereas two showed mixed results (Armitano et al. 2015;Siegel et al. 2015). We found few studies examining lifestyle sports in relation to systolic and diastolic blood pressure (Hignett et al. 2018), bone mineral density (Sherk et al. 2010), and markers of inflammation (Momesso dos Santos et al. 2015). ...
The aim of this study is to review the literature on lifestyle sports and lifestyle sport contexts with regard to the developmental potential they may represent in young people’s everyday lives. The review applies a relational developmental systems approach to youth development. The eligibility criteria are based on the phenomenon of interest and outcomes. Hence, we include studies examining the associations between young people performing lifestyle sports and potential developmental outcomes: mental, biological, social, and behavioral. The present study shows that the volume of research on informal lifestyle sport is rather extensive and that studies on the way these activity contexts may affect developmental processes in youth are diverse and wide ranging. The studies suggest that performing lifestyle sports may have several beneficial health and skills outcomes. Furthermore, positive associations are suggested between involvement in lifestyle sport contexts such as climbing, snowboarding, parkour, tricking, kiting, and surfing and (a) mental outcomes such joy, happiness, freedom, euphoria, motivation, self-efficacy, and well-being; (b) social outcomes such as gender equality, network building, social inclusion, interaction, friendship; and (c) behavioral outcomes such as identity, creativity, and expressions of masculinity and/or femininity. The review performed indicates that lifestyle sport contexts are flexible according to needs and desires that exist among the practitioners and that the human and democratic origins of these contexts make them supportive for positive movement experiences and for positive youth development. The findings have implications for PE teachers, social workers, policymakers, sport organizations, and urban architecture, in that providing lifestyle sport opportunities in the everyday lives of young people will foster a holistic development in a positive way.
... Trampoline gymnastics benefits, including enhanced strength, endurance, balance, and proprioceptive development related to health, are an important advantage for daily life utilities (Maxson & White, 2009). In addition, some of the studies (Aragão et al., 2011;Giagazoglou et al., 2013;Stanghelle et al., 1988) reported that using trampoline gymnastics training indicated useful results, including increasing maximal oxygen uptake, improving motor and balance ability, and enhance the rate of hip moment generation and balance in some groups of children with cystic fibrosis, and children with intellectual disability, and elderly people. ...
... Aragão et al. (2011) stated that elderly participants regained balance improvement of about 35% after the mini-trampoline exercise for dynamic stability. Giagazoglou et al. (2013) noted that a significant performance improvement occurred in balance ability after 12 weeks of the trampoline training program in individuals with intellectual disabilities. Atilgan (2013) reported that the static and dynamic balance of boys was improved after 12 weeks of trampoline training. ...
... Boraczyński et al. (2013) stated that the static balance of girls aged 7 years was affected positively after 12 months of artistic gymnastics training by 36.77%. Our study results are supported by the studies (Aragão et al., 2011;Atilgan, 2013;de Oliveira et al., 2014;Giagazoglou et al., 2013;Sadeghi & Baqlaei, 2018) reporting improved balance ability after the practiced trampoline training intervention. Based on these findings, it can be said that trampoline gymnastics is a preferable method for improving dynamic balance performance. ...
Background: Artistic gymnastics and trampoline gymnastics are an enormously popular group of sports that develops many biomotor skills, however, their effect on various aspects of fitness is not sufficiently observed.
Objective: The study aimed to determine the effects of artistic gymnastics and trampoline gymnastics training on body composition, balance, jump performance, abdominal strength, and flexibility in adult females.
Methods: Fifty-one adult female non-gymnasts (age 19.59 ± 1.58 years, height 160.69 ± 4.74 cm) were randomly assigned to three groups: the artistic gymnastics group (n = 19), the mini-trampoline gymnastics group (n = 16), and the control group (n = 16). The training groups performed either artistic gymnastics or mini-trampoline training twice a week for 12 weeks. The control group only did warm-up exercises twice a week during the study. The measurements to determine the effects of different gymnastics training on body composition, dynamic balance, jump performance, abdominal strength, and flexibility were performed before and after the exercise programs. The pre-test and post-test of the variables of groups were compared using paired sample t-test. A one-way analysis of variance was used for between-group comparisons.
Results: Both artistic gymnastics and trampoline gymnastics trainings significantly improved the dynamic balance, vertical and standing long jump, abdominal strength, and flexibility compared to the control group (p < .05). There were significant differences between the artistic and trampoline gymnastics groups for almost all performance tests (p < .05), but no significant difference in flexibility tests. Trampoline gymnastics training provided more improvement than artistic gymnastics training in all performance variables except flexibility (p < .05).
Conclusions: The findings of the study indicated that both gymnastics trainings improved all performance variables. However, mini trampoline training seems to be more effective than artistic gymnastics training in all performance variables except flexibility.
... Despite the proven benefits of exercise training in people with DS, their presence in the stable environments of conventional resistance training is challenging. Thus, it makes some of them unwilling to participate in such activities [15]. ...
... Modified Biering Sorensen test was used to measure the endurance of the posterior trunk. McGill et al. documented its reliability equal to 93% [15]. Anterior trunk flexor test with a reliability of 0.98 (reported by McGill et al., 1999) was used to measure the endurance of an-terior stabilizer muscles of the trunk. ...
... Accordingly, all study participants expressed their interest in participating in the program. Only the investigations by Kubilay et al. [9] and Giagazoglou et al. [15] were to some extent, similar to this study in terms of using Swiss ball and Trampoline. ...
... Adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID) exhibit relatively unstable and variable movement characteristics. Their motor impairments include deficiencies in the aspects of motor control, such as coordination, reaction time, agility, balance control, muscle strength, and endurance, and they may exhibit comorbidities such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorders or developmental coordination disorders [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. Consequently, they are less fit than the typically developing (TD) peers and often have difficulties engaging in movements such as walking and running [1,2,11,12]. ...
... Their motor impairments include deficiencies in the aspects of motor control, such as coordination, reaction time, agility, balance control, muscle strength, and endurance, and they may exhibit comorbidities such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorders or developmental coordination disorders [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. Consequently, they are less fit than the typically developing (TD) peers and often have difficulties engaging in movements such as walking and running [1,2,11,12]. ...
... For TD, they dribbled step over step; for ID, they dribbled step by step with less single-leg stance time. Previous studies have indicated that people with ID have relatively poor balance [1,[32][33][34] and low physical fitness [35]. Most of them summarized that people with ID had impaired central nervous systems, which leads to weak muscle strength and slower balancing reactions. ...
Measuring motor performance in individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) is quite challenging. The objective of this study was to compare the motor performances of individuals with ID and those with typical development (TD) during soccer dribbling through video-based behavior-coded movement assessment along with a wearable sensor. A cross-sectional research design was adopted. Adolescents with TD (N = 25) and ID (N = 29) participated in the straight-line and zigzag soccer dribbling tests. The dribbling performance was videotaped, and the footage was then analyzed with customized behavior-coding software. The coded parameters were the time for movement completion, the number of kicks, blocks, steps, the number of times the ball went out of bounds, the number of missed cones, and the trunk tilt angle. Participants with ID exhibited significantly poorer performance and demonstrated greater variances in many time and frequency domain parameters. It also revealed that participants with ID kicked with both feet while dribbling, whereas those with TD mainly used the dominant foot. The present findings demonstrated how the ID population differed from their peers in lower-extremity strategic control. The customized video-based behavior-coded approach provides an efficient and effective way to gather behavioral data and calculate performance parameter statistics in populations with intellectual disabilities.
... In this regard, trampoline training is a well-liked activity with its main characteristic and benefit related to the avoidance of monotonous physical exercise. Trampoline is reported to be an enjoyable activity that offers many psychological benefits, while also improving various parameters of motor performance (Aragã o et al., 2011;Giagazoglou et al., 2013). During trampoline training, participants are ''forced'' to continuously respond to a constant change of gravity that provides deep proprioception as well as other sensory inputs (Giagazoglou et al., 2013). ...
... Trampoline is reported to be an enjoyable activity that offers many psychological benefits, while also improving various parameters of motor performance (Aragã o et al., 2011;Giagazoglou et al., 2013). During trampoline training, participants are ''forced'' to continuously respond to a constant change of gravity that provides deep proprioception as well as other sensory inputs (Giagazoglou et al., 2013). ...
Purpose
The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of a trampoline intervention program on motor and behavioral characteristics of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Design/methodology/approach
Twenty-six male students aged 15–18 years with ASD participated in the study. They were equally divided into two groups of 13 students. The intervention group followed an individualized trampoline exercise program that was applied three times a week for 30 min for 12 weeks. Before the intervention program and after the end of this, the motor performance was evaluated through the recording of the total number of jumps. The behavioral characteristics were evaluated with the Behavior Problem Inventory questionnaire.
Findings
According to the findings, there were statistically significant differences between the intervention group and the control group across all variables. In conclusion, it seems that an intervention program with the use of a trampoline, adapted to the needs and capabilities of adolescents with ASD can improve their motor performance and behavioral characteristics.
Originality/value
The authors report on the impact of a trampoline exercise program on motor skills and behavioral traits in adolescents diagnosed with ASD. This is significant because our research focused on investigating the effects of a structured trampoline exercise program both on motor skills and behavioral characteristics. The findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting targeted exercise programs as effective interventions for addressing motor and behavioral challenges in adolescents with ASD. The authors believe the research aligns closely with the aims and scope of research in developmental disabilities, and the authors hope that it will make a meaningful impact on the field of autism research and intervention.
... Of course, this component is different in each individual and many factors such as the age, overweight and obesity, gender, and physical activity level affect it [7]. In a research study, Giagazoglou et al. (2013) aimed to investigate the impact of trampoline training intervention on the motor performance and balance of children with ID. They concluded that trampoline training led to a significant improvement in the performance of the participants in all motor and balance tests, hence its interesting and enjoyable exercises can be used in the improvement of these children [8]. ...
... In a research study, Giagazoglou et al. (2013) aimed to investigate the impact of trampoline training intervention on the motor performance and balance of children with ID. They concluded that trampoline training led to a significant improvement in the performance of the participants in all motor and balance tests, hence its interesting and enjoyable exercises can be used in the improvement of these children [8]. In a meta-analysis study, Ma et al. (2019) investigated the effects of sports programs on the balance ability of children with ID. ...
Background
children with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) are less proficient in motor skills compared to normally developing children, which means they need more time for learning skills. In this context, the purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of the Brailletonik physical activity program (BPAM) on the balance and reaction time of children with ID.
Methods
The statistical sample is consisted of 30 children aged 8 to 12 (21 boys, 9 girls) with ID with an average age of 9.8 ± 1.39, who were selected through convenience sampling. Participants were divided into two groups of individual BPAM, and pair BPAM. Training sessions were held for 21 sessions (seven weeks) and each session included 30 min of training. To measure static balance and reaction time, Stork Stand test and Simple Reaction Time Software were used respectively. The analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and Bonferroni’s post hoc test were used to analyze the data. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 26 at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05.
Results
The results showed that individual and paired exercise groups had significant progress from pre-test to post-test in both variables of balance and reaction time (p = 0.001). Also, the comparison of the performance of the groups in the post-test showed that the average performance of the paired exercise group was significantly better than the individual exercise group in the balance variable (p = 0.03) and in the reaction time variable (p = 0.01).
Conclusion
Accordingly, it can be concluded that BPAM in paired groups has a greater effect on the balance and reaction time of children with ID.
... Similar results were obtained by Top (2015) and Wuang et al. (2013) in their research studies. Nevertheless, the studies conducted by Giagazoglou, Arabatzi, Dipla, Liga and Kellis (2012) and Giagazoglou, Kokaridas, Sidiropoulou, Patsiaouras, Karra and Neofotistou (2013) demonstrate that adequate exercise programmes have the potential to enhance balance abilities. Giagazoglou et al. (2012) examined the impact of a 12-week trampoline exercise programme on the motor abilities of children with moderate intellectual disability with a mean age of 10.3 ± 1.6. ...
... In terms of frequency, the exercise programme was carried out on a daily basis, for 20 minutes and it was customised to meet the needs of individual participants. In an additional study, Giagazoglou et al. (2013) examined the effect of a 10-week riding therapy programme in a sample of children with a mean age of 15.3 ± 2.1, who were diagnosed with intellectual disabilities. Both studies employed an electronic platform to test balance and in both cases there were statistically significant changes in the balance variables: standing on one leg with open eyes, and standing on one leg with closed eyes. ...
With this study we aimed to investigate the impact of a 12-week manipulative skills exercise programme on the motor proficiency of young individuals with intellectual disabilities. A total of 32 learners diagnosed with mild intellectual disabilities, with an average age of 17.81 ± 1.44 years, were divided into 2 equal-sized groups: a control group and an experimental group engaged in a manipulative skills intervention programme. Motor proficiency was assessed using the short form of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency Second Edition (BOT™-2), while the participants' coordination level was evaluated using the Body Coordination composite of the BOT™-2. Results show that the manipulative skills intervention programme led to significant improvements in the experimental group's total motor proficiency score on the short form BOT™-2 (45.31 ± 12.01 vs. 37.12 ± 7.00, ANCOVA: F = 48.65, p = 0.00) as well as the Body Coordination composite (42.69 ± 11.31 vs. 39.84 ± 11.75, ANCOVA: F = 44.35, p = 0.00). These findings suggest that the experimental exercise programme had a positive effect on enhancing the motor proficiency of young individuals with mild intellectual disabilities.
... Multiple studies explored trampolining's impact on children with disabilities, demonstrating significant enhancement of motor and balance skills in those with developmental coordination disorder [46], Down syndrome, [47], and intellectual disability. [48] Similar effects were observed in children with autism spectrum disorder, [49] and additionally, trampolining was one of the most frequently applied actions in Sensory-Based Interventions, a group of activities designed to help Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) patients adapt to life. [48] Rebounding exercise helps to achieve better physical shape, cognition, and mood in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ...
... [48] Similar effects were observed in children with autism spectrum disorder, [49] and additionally, trampolining was one of the most frequently applied actions in Sensory-Based Interventions, a group of activities designed to help Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) patients adapt to life. [48] Rebounding exercise helps to achieve better physical shape, cognition, and mood in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). [50] Impact on other specific groups Limited evidence suggests trampolining's impact on cystic fibrosis patients is not clearly promising, but some studies show improvements in forced vital lung capacity, minute ventilation, VO2max, and overall exercise tolerance. ...
Introduction and Objective: In the modern era, where non-communicable diseases account for 74% of deaths, physical activity plays a crucial role in reducing mortality rates, particularly from cardiovascular causes. This article aims to assess the benefits and risks of trampoline bouncing as an exercise modality. State of Knowledge: Scientific evidence predominantly focuses on rebounding-related injuries, overshadowing the relatively underexplored benefits of trampolining. Cardiovascular advantages, including increased VO2max, are notable, with mini-trampoline exercise proving more effective than traditional running. Trampolining exhibits the potential to reduce BMI and weight, impacting cardiovascular risk factors while contributing to bone strength and mental well-being. Positive outcomes are suggested for specific groups, such as Parkinson's patients and children with disabilities. Summary: Trampoline rebounding, particularly with mini-trampolines, presents an enjoyable exercise form with significant health benefits, encompassing enhanced cardiovascular endurance, improved balance, and positive effects on bone structure and mental well-being. Despite prevalent injuries associated with trampoline use, the article highlights effective preventive measures. In conclusion, trampoline bouncing holds promise as a valuable component of a healthy lifestyle, provided adequate precautions are taken to mitigate associated risks.
... Muscle strength, balance and dexterity play a key role in daily activities and self-care. Likewise, muscular endurance, speed, and flexibility are key elements impacting the ability to perform a variety of motor activities 4,5,[9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] . Furthermore, it may be important to understand in what way these motor parameters are affected by body mass index (BMI). ...
... Additionally, the assessment aimed to determine whether or not rehabilitation effects differ relative to the children's BMI. A review of the related publications focusing on these issues showed that there are few studies investigating the gains from rehabilitation programmes intended for children with a "pure form" of ID 4,5,[11][12][13][14][15][16]18,19 . The current study additionally adopted the approach which took into account children with mild ID and normal weight or obesity. ...
Research on effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes continues to investigate impact of therapeutic interventions on various motor parameters in children with intellectual disability (ID). This study compared the effectiveness of rehabilitation, reflected by physical fitness, static balance, and dynamic balance measurements, in children with mild ID. A total of 70 children with mild ID were enrolled for the study and were divided into two equal groups based on their body mass index (BMI) percentile, reflecting obesity or normal weight. Physical fitness was assessed using the Eurofit Special Test, whereas balance was evaluated with single-leg stance and timed up and go tests. The examinations were performed twice: At the beginning and at the end of a six-month therapy programme. Improvements were shown in the muscle strength of the upper limbs (p < 0.001) and lower limbs (p = 0.001), flexibility (p = 0.005), and static balance (p < 0.001) for the entire cohort. The effects of rehabilitation did not differ significantly between the children with obesity and those with a normal weight. These results may be important from the viewpoint of clinical practice and preventive measures, as they present evidence showing that rehabilitation is equally effective in both obese and normal weight children with mild ID. Therefore, these findings may be of assistance to those designing therapeutic programmes in special education centres.
... This is because the central nervous system, which regulates motor and cognitive abilities, often shows some degree of delay in individuals with IDDs [5]. In addition, individuals with IDDs may have several functional disorders of balance [6,7], motor ability [8][9][10], and cognitive ability [9,11]. Delays in motor and cognitive development affect the gait patterns of individuals with IDDs because their efficiency and performance depend on the coordination between these systems [12]. ...
... Previous research has indicated that individuals with IDDs experience greater declines in age, gait ability, and dynamic balance compared to neurotypical individuals [10,36,39]. These studies showed reductions in all gait spatiotemporal parameters and a reduced hip range of motion, affecting step length. ...
This study examines the effects and durability of postural exercise on gait kinematics in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). Thirty-four men with mild IDDs were assigned to either the training group (n = 19) or the control group (n = 15). The TG performed the intervention over 8 weeks, 3 days/week, 1 h/day. The results indicated that the intervention program had a significant effect on some variables of gait. Additionally, in the TG between post-test and follow-up, there was no significant difference, which indicated that gait variables were maintained by the TG one month after the end of the program. This research demonstrates that postural exercises are a viable intervention for enhancing the gait of people with IDDs.
... SSC exercises using the trampoline are of interest to researchers in the field of pediatric physical rehabilitation, especially as the trampoline-based exercises are enjoyable activities that promote fun and maintain children's interest to participate and continue with involvement in physical activities for longer duration 15,16 . This form of SSC exercise incorporates proprioceptive, vestibular, and visual inputs 17,18 , which are of great importance for motor functions in children with DS. Besides, SSC exercises on a trampoline provide the benefits of aerobic exercises without adding stresses on lower limbs, as with vigorous exercises. ...
... The main findings of our study were that SSC exercise (15 minutes/ session; twice weekly) in association with the sPT program was more efficient in increasing lower limb muscle strength and enhancing postural control than the sPT program alone in children with DS. Although several studies evaluated the effect of trampoline-based SSC exercises in children with other developmental disabilities and reported favorable effects 17,18,20,21 , the impacts of this therapeutic approach on children with DS remains very interesting to physiotherapist. This may, therefore, highlight the significance of the results demonstrated herein, which expand the evidence on the effectiveness of trampoline-based SSC exercises in children with developmental disabilities. ...
Objective:
The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a 3-month, trampoline-based stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) exercises on muscle strength and postural control in children with Down's syndrome (DS).
Patients and methods:
Thirty-two children with DS aged between 7-9 years were enrolled and randomly assigned into the control group (n = 16); received standard physical therapy (sPT) or SSC group (n = 16); received sPT in addition to a 15-minute, trampoline-based SSC training program twice per week for 12 successive weeks. Lower limb muscle strength and postural stability [anterior/posterior stability index (A/P-SI), medial/lateral stability index (M/L-SI)], and overall stability index (O-SI) were assessed pre- and post-treatment.
Results:
Strength of hip extensor (p=0.034) and adductor (p=0.015), knee extensor (p=0.028) and flexor (p=0.01), and ankle dorsi (p=0.033) and plantar flexor (p=0.007) muscles increased significantly in the SSC group when compared with the control group. Also, the A/P-SI (p=0.019), M/L-SI (p=0.002), and O-SI (p=0.021) decreased significantly in the SSC group when compared with the control group, suggesting better postural control.
Conclusions:
Twelve weeks of trampoline-based SSC exercises are likely effective for enhancing muscle strength and postural control in children with DS and should consequently be included in the rehabilitation programs for these children.
... Other previous study conducted by Giagazoglou et al. [16] finds that children with ID can improve their motor performance and balancing in jumping height by using trampoline as exercise intervention program. In their study, the result indicates that 12 weeks of intervention program involving trampoline have resulted significant improvement in all motor performance and balance ability. ...
... Nur Syamsina et al./ Journal of Social Science and Humanities, 3(2) 2020, Pages:[14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] ...
This study investigated the effects of 6 weeks of circuit training (CT) on body composition, jumping height and distance, muscular strength and power in individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ID). Thirty participants aged between 18-30 years old were randomly assigned into two groups, i.e. control (C) and exercise (E) groups. Participant in C group only followed activities designed by Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) center which included physical activities (simple morning warm-up) and daily activities such as gardening, walking and dancing, while participant in E was prescribed with circuit training exercise for 2 sessions/week for 6 weeks of intervention. The participant anthropometry, muscular strength and power were measured at pre-and post-test, and it was found that there was no significant reduction of body weight for both groups indicate that circuit training exercise did not contribute on weight loss. However, vertical jump height was significantly (p<0.05) reduced in Control group after 6 weeks of no exercise.
... Physical activities under the umbrella of physical education and sports (Dandashi et al., 2015;Ross et al., 2016), which positively effect all developmental aspects of individuals with intellectual disabilities and are expressed as an effective tool in the realization of the goals of special education (Dandashi et al. 2015;Ross et al. 2016), can be considered among the educational settings and services that need to be provided to individuals with intellectual disabilities. In this context, physical training and sports support the physical and motor development of individuals with intellectual disabilities (Ostrosky et al., 2024;Giagazoglou et al., 2013), improve their quality of life (Groff et al., 2009), contribute to the level of socialization (Ostrosky et al., 2024;Ilhan, 2008), lower stress levels (Garcia-Villamisar & Dattilo, 2010), boost self-esteem (Bota et al., 2014), enhances the perception of competence (Mazzoni et al., 2009) and eliminate behavioral problems (Ozer et al., 2013). It is also well-established that individuals with special needs are more vulnerable than typically developing individuals (Asbury et al., 2021;Imran et al., 2020;Park et al., 2024). ...
This study aimed to reveal the opinions of volunteer educators (VEs) on the online physical activity (OPA) process in which individuals with special needs participated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study sample included students from the Alanya Aladdin Keykubat University Faculty of Sport Sciences who the VEs taught in the field of adaptive physical activity (APA) (n=13; 10F, 3M). The study was designed based on qualitative research using the case study method, one of the qualitative research techniques, and focus group interviews were conducted with VEs to collect data. Three major themes-"The effects of OPA," "OPA adaptations," and " Difficulties Experienced and Recommendations" in the OPA process-have been used to organize the conclusions drawn from the opinions of the VEs. As a result , the study revealed that OPA was effective for both the psychomotor and effective development of individuals with special needs and positively altered the attitudes of VEs toward them. OPA favorably influenced VEs during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing better time management, increasing a sense of responsibility , and contributing to professional experience. OPA was also beneficial both for VE and individuals with special need families. However, the current study identified that individuals with special needs had communication issues, material, space, and problems with the internet connection during the OPA process; therefore , these issues should be addressed to perform the OPA process more productively. As a result, the study suggestively concluded that OPA was an alternative method to support the participation of individuals with special needs in physical activities.
... Other authors, such as Fragala-Pinkham et al. [54], indicated that children with disabilities can improve their cardiorespiratory endurance after an aquatic aerobic exercise program. Giagazoglou et al. [55] demonstrated balance improvements in individuals with intellectual disabilities through a trampoline exercise program. Finally, when the results of TT interventions were compared with those of children with intellectual disabilities who continued their usual routines, the TT group showed better values in visual perception, executive function, and working memory. ...
This study aims to review the scientific evidence regarding the effects of table tennis practice on children and adolescents. Studies were searched in three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and SportDiscus) from their inception up to May 2024. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the 10-point Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) and Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS). A total of twelve studies were examined, with interventions involving children with intellectual disabilities, ADHD, DCD, ASD, and typically developing children. A variety of training programs were assessed over durations ranging from 6 weeks to 1 year in the studies included. Table tennis was shown to positively impact various domains, including executive function, motor skills, visual perception, graphomotor function, gross motor skills, coordination capacity, behavioral inhibition, and social behavior. Nonetheless, it is imperative to expand the number of studies on children and adolescents with diverse conditions to more comprehensively evaluate the benefits of table tennis for each specific condition.
... Exercise on a flexible and elastic surface requires contraction of the muscles of the core, legs, and feet without causing complications in the sole, improves perception of sensations, and increases intraepidermal nerve fiber branches. Consequentially, foot ulcers can be avoided by lowering diabetic nerve damage symptoms such as numbness, discomfort, tingling, burning, and excessive plantar pressure, along with boosting foot and ankle strength [18][19][20][21]. ...
... These findings suggest that enhancing motor skills is effective across multiple aspects and that improving the motor skills of children with intellectual disabilities may improve their quality of life. Motor interventions in children with intellectual disabilities have been reported to affect balance skills (Giagazoglou et al., 2013;Ma et al., 2020) and psychosocial health (Kapsal et al., 2019) positively (see Ma et al., 2020 meta-analysis for effective interventions). ...
Background
Static and dynamic balance skills can be related to the activities of daily living (ADL) in children with non‐syndromic intellectual disabilities, and the type of balance skills affecting ADL can differ depending on the domain of ADL (self‐care, mobility, and social function).
Methods
The ADL capabilities of 66 children with intellectual disabilities were assessed using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) and were examined in relation to static and dynamic balance skills.
Results
Significant positive correlations were found between the one‐leg standing and PEDI ( r = .841 for self‐care, r = .700 for mobility, and r = .760 for social function). Our analysis showed that static balance skills affected self‐care, dynamic balance skills affected mobility, and intelligence quotient affected social function.
Conclusions
Improving balance skills is important for enhancing ADL capabilities, and the type of balance skills that need enhancement vary based on the domain of ADL.
... The systematic review indicates that a minimum of 8 weeks is necessary to observe improvements in motor skills among children with intellectual deficits (Kachouri, et al., 2016;Stanišić, 2013). Training frequency ranged from twice a week (Jankowicz-Szymanska, et al., 2012; Giagazoglou, et al., 2012;Stanish, et al., 2012) to three times a week (Golubović, et al., 2012;Baran, et al., 2013;Top, 2015;Kachouri, et al., 2016), and in some cases, four to five times a week (Giagazoglou, et al., 2013). Аdditionally, the session duration varied from 15, 20, 30, and 45 minutes (Kachouri, et al., 2016) to 60 minutes (Westendorp, et al., 2011;Stanish, et al., 2012). ...
The aim of this research was to determine, on the basis of a systematic review of previous research, whether and to what extent physical exercise affects the motor abilities of persons with intellectual disabilities. The sample of respondents were people with intellectual deficits, male and female, a total of 1203 respondents. The criteria for the analysis of the papers were as follows: the time period of publishing the papers from 2010 to 2020, that the respondents were persons with an intellectual deficit. Based on the set criteria, 14 papers were included in the final analysis, which were analyzed and presented. The experimental exercise program consisted of exercises to develop and improve balance, coordination, strength, manual dexterity, running speed, and agility. The results of the research, programs that lasted 8 or more weeks, with trainings at intervals of 3 to 5 times a week and lasted 20 or more minutes give positive results in terms of development of basic motor characteristics, speed, coordination, balance and strength, while physical activity generally has a positive effect on childhood development. The impact of physical exercise in children with a normal intellectual level is more pronounced in relation to children with developmental disabilities. The significance of this research is that it provides information on the effects of physical exercise on the motor abilities of children with intellectual disabilities, provides information on the complexity of the approach to planning and organizing physical activity for the development of motor skills of children with diagnosed intellectual disabilities.
Key words: Physical exercise, power, speed, motor skills.
... This suggested that children who engage in soccer training have better postural balance compared with sedentary peers. These results are in accordance with previous studies suggesting that participation in physical activity can have a positive impact on postural balance and mobility in children with intellectual disabilities (14,16,33,51). Moreover, incorporating soccer practice has shown considerable effects on various dimensions of physical fitness in individuals with intellectual disabilities. ...
Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the postural balance in children with intellectual disabilities who participate in soccer training compared with their sedentary peers. Method: Two groups of boys with intellectual disabilities aged 8–10 years participated in this study: a soccer group (n = 12) and a sedentary group (n = 12). Postural balance was assessed using a force platform under 4 different conditions: open eyes, and closed eyes, on firm and foam surfaces. The Timed Up and Go Test, 10-m Walking Test, and Four-Square Step Test were also conducted. Results: The soccer group had significantly lower (P < .05) center of pressure values compared with the sedentary group, on both firm and foam surfaces, but only under the open eyes condition. They were significantly faster (P < .05) in the Timed Up and Go Test, 10-m Walking Test, and Four-Square Step Test compared with their sedentary peers. However, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups on the sit-to-stand and turn-to-sit phases of the Timed Up and Go Test. Conclusion: Soccer participation may have a positive effect on postural balance in boys with intellectual disabilities. These findings may have implications for the development of exercise programs to improve postural balance and reduce the risk of falls in this population.
... Com isso, o resultado desse estudo sugere que os exercícios de encurtamento alongamento baseados em trampolim (SSC), podem ser uma intervenção útil para as pessoas com SD na melhora da força muscular e controle postural. Giagazoglou et al. (2013), concluíram que o treino de trampolim pode ser eficaz, e um modo alternativo de intervenção para melhorar o equilíbrio e o desempenho motor. ...
Objetivo: O presente estudo tem como objetivo descrever os efeitos da intervenção fisioterapêutica no desenvolvimento motor de crianças com Síndrome de Down. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão da literatura, na qual foi realizada uma busca nas bases de dados PubMed, PeDro, Scielo e Lilacs, no período de Agosto a Setembro de 2022, através dos descritores early intervention/intervenção precoce; down syndrome/síndrome de down e physiotherapy/fisioterapia. Foram incluídos estudos do tipo ensaio clínico, publicados nos últimos 10 anos, seguindo os critérios de inclusão. Para avaliar a qualidade e nível de relevância dos artigos foi aplicada a Escala de Jadad. Resultados: Inicialmente, foram identificados um total de 395 artigos. Após a coleta dos dados e aplicação dos critérios de elegibilidade, foram incluídos 8 artigos. Observou-se melhora na força muscular, principalmente de membros inferiores, equilíbrio e controle postural, funções pulmonares, estabilização de core, coordenação motora e na aquisição de padrões adequados. Conclusão: O estudo conclui que a utilização de intervenções fisioterapêuticas é eficaz para o desenvolvimento motor de crianças com Síndrome de Down, visto que essas intervenções proporcionam, de acordo com a condição e necessidade de cada criança, melhoras no desenvolvimento motor.
... According to a recent study, trampolining was therapists' most frequently recommended sensory-based intervention for ASD children [65]. According to Giagazoglou et al., an intervention of 12-weeks of a trampoline training program resulted in significant improvements in three different balance ability tasks (double-leg stance with EO and EC, and one-leg stance with EO) for intellectual disability (ID) children [66]. Also, a trampoline program for 20 weeks improved postural balance in six ASD children [67]. ...
Postural stability and control are essential motor skills for successfully performing various activities of daily living. However, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit significant sensorimotor impairments. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of psychomotricity training on postural control (PC) of children with ASD. We recruited thirty children (age = 8.01 ± 1.2; weight = 31.66 ± 8.1 kg; height = 129.7 ± 10.8 cm) diagnosed with ASD (intellectual quotient > 50) to participate in this study. They were divided into two groups: the experimental group (n = 16) and control group (n = 14). Children in the experimental group were trained with psychomotor activities two times a week for nine weeks. Statistic postural balance was assessed before and after intervention and on different vision conditions. The results showed that the psychomotor training significantly improved PC in standing position under different conditions when compared to the control group, in all parameters (CoPA; CoPLX; CoPLy) (p < 0.01). Our preliminary findings suggest the usefulness of the psychomotor training in children with ASD on static PC.
... 34 "Effects of a trampoline exercise intervention on motor performance and balance ability of children with intellectual disabilities",a study conducted by Paraskevi Giagazoglou et al aimed to assess the effect of a 12-week trampoline exercise intervention program on motor and balance ability of school aged children with intellectual disability.The study concluded that trampoline intervention resulted insignificant improvements of participants' performance in all motor and balance tests. 35 Matthew B. Pontifex et al.2013 conducted a study to examine the effect of a single bout of moderateintensity aerobic exercise on preadolescent children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The ADHD group comprised 20 children (6 females) aged 8-10 years. ...
A literature review on fitness of special population
... Therefore, the American Diabetes Association advises people with diabetic neuropathy to exercise properly and to limit activities that require bearing body weight. Trampoline exercise has recently been shown to improve balance control in the elderly [21], as well as athletic performance, rehabilitation, injury recovery, and foot function in athletes with ankle instability [22]. ...
Purpose: This study aims to investigate and compare the efficacy of two training programs of weight-bearing on a mini-trampoline, and ankle exercise therapy on foot-ankle functionality in people with peripheral neuropathy. Methods: The present research is a clinical trial study that has been conducted using two intervention groups and one control group. The statistical population of this study includes 48 women living in Tehran City, Iran with type 2 diabetes and moderate or severe neuropathy. The Michigan neuropathy screening instrument (MNSI) and foot health status questionnaire (FHSQ-BR) were used to collect data. The first experimental group performed mini-trampoline exercises, while the second group performed ankle therapeutic exercises at home for eight weeks. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANOVA) and correlated t-test. Results: The findings showed that mini-trampoline exercise and ankle exercise therapy had a significant effect on relieving foot pain (P<0.05), as well as improving foot functionality (P<0.05) and overall foot health (P<0.05) in both intervention groups compared to the control group. Also, the results showed that ankle exercise therapy was more effective than mini-trampoline exercise in two variables of foot pain and foot functionality (P<0.05). Both training programs showed significant effects on the ankle range of motion (P<0.05), while, no significant difference was observed between the two intervention groups for the range of motion of the ankle (P<0.05). Moreover, mini-trampoline exercise and ankle exercise therapy revealed a significant effect on the range of motion of the metatarsophalangeal joints compared to the control group (P<0.05). In the range of motion of dorsiflexion of the right foot, mini-trampoline exercises were more effective than therapeutic exercises, while regarding the variable of dorsiflexion of the left foot, the effectiveness of ankle training intervention was more than trampoline (P<0.05). Both trampoline exercise and ankle therapeutic exercise interventions had a significant effect on ankle strength, but no difference was observed in plantar flexion strength of the right foot between the two intervention groups. However, the mini-trampoline intervention was more effective than the ankle exercise therapy intervention for the three variables of the hallux dorsiflexion strength of the hallux and plantar flexion strength of the left foot (P<0.05). Both training interventions were effective on the variable of right and left hallux flexion strength (P<0.05). The efficacy of none of the two interventions on the right and left hallux extension strength was confirmed; the effectiveness of both interventions on the right and left hallux flexion strength was similar and no significant difference was observed (P>0.05). No significant difference was found in the control group after 8 weeks for the relevant variables (P>0.05). Conclusion: Exercises on the mini-trampoline and ankle therapeutic exercises at home can be effective in improving patients’ quality of life as a simple, affordable, low-risk, and quick-improvement treatment program that focuses on the use of segmental exercises for foot functionality.
... (iii) Children with Intellectual Disabilities (Tunagrahita). Children with intellectual disabilities are children who have below average intelligence, have problems in adaptive behavior, so they have difficulty completing tasks in everyday life (Giagazoglou et al., 2013). Children with intellectual disabilities need several principles in the learning process, namely: concrete and interesting media, simple explanations, and fun learning. ...
The purpose of this study was to determine the science education provided by families to students with special needs. We used qualitative research methods. The subjects in this study were families and students with special needs (students with visual impairment, hearing impairment, intellectual disabilities, physical impairment, and Down syndrome) in one of the special schools in Indonesia. The results showed that most families fully gave up the responsibility for providing science education to school teachers. In addition, they thought that learning science is very complicated because it relates to formulas and numbers, so they thought children with special needs unable to learn about science. Whereas science education is very broad because it deals with natural phenomenon that occurs in everyday life. Students with special needs learned easily through the habituation process.
... At the same time, some scholars carry out classified support training according to the support points of the human body to maintain balance. 6 If the balance ability can adjust its posture during the training process. This shows that the student has good balance ability and can maintain his own stability in the process of movement. ...
Introduction
The standardization of body movements is essential for aerobics gymnastic practitioners and motor coordination for the execution of consecutive movements of large amplitudes is strongly related to balance ability. Therefore, it is believed that balance training can positively impact motor coordination in aerobics students
Objective
Explore the influences of balance training on motor coordination in aerobics students.
Methods
100 volunteers were selected as aerobics students, divided into an experimental and a control group for a 6-week experiment. The experimental group was given a balance training protocol, while the control group maintained the traditional teaching protocol. Data on functional exercises and fitness indices were collected before and after the experiment for comparison and analysis.
Results
The difference in the exercise in the unipodal orthostatic position with eyes closed was 6.45, the difference in the balance test in the swallow position was 4.04, the difference in the later-forward Y balance exercise was 1.88, the later-posterior was 2.09, and posterior Y balance was 2.53. The difference between all items in the control group was small, especially the three items of frontal, lateral, posterior, and mid-posterior Y balance.
Conclusion
Balance training positively affected the motor coordination of aerobics students, resulting in a statistically significant increase in all analyzed postural balance indexes. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.
Keywords:
Postural Balance; Performance, Sensory Motor; Gymnastics
... The study by Aragão et al. [22] showed that a 14-week training on a trampoline improved the ability of older adults to recover balance during forward falls due to a higher rate of hip moment generation. A 2-week trampoline exercise program was an effective intervention to improve the motor and balance ability of schoolaged children with intellectual disabilities [24]. Hahn et al. [23] also showed that both the trampoline and the control group had significant improvements in balance, gait, and falls self-efficacy compared to before the 6-week intervention (30 min sessions, 3 times a week) after stroke. ...
Background
Falling and gait difficulties in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are associated with impaired reactive postural adjustments and impairments in attentional resources. Combined intensive balance motor and cognitive exercise can be beneficial. However, uncertainties persist regarding the true effects and safety when applying such training. Using trampoline beds may be a favorable safe environment for a highly intensive, cognitive, and balancing training approach. The primary goal of this randomized controlled trial is to assess the effects of an intensive cognitive-motor training program in a safe trampoline environment in addition to usual care on balance impairment, gait, physical capacity, fear of falling, falls frequency and severity, cognition, and clinical impairments in people with mild or moderate PD.
Methods
Sixty participants diagnosed with idiopathic PD, in stage 2–4 Hoehn and Yahr, with a clinical history of gait deficits and a fall history (at least one fall in the last 6 months) will be recruited and randomly allocated to an intervention group receiving cognitive-motor trampoline training or a control group undergoing their usual care. The intervention will consist of 8-week individual training sessions (1-h training, 3 days per week) led by specialized physiotherapists that will provide progressive, challenging training, and guarantee safety. Assessment will be conducted prior to and immediately after the 8-week intervention and at 3 months follow-up after participating in the study. Primary outcome measures will be balance performance (assessed using the Mini-BEST Test and nonlinear analysis) and change in gait parameters (Motor and Cognitive Timed-Up-Go and nonlinear analysis). Secondary outcomes will be change in clinical improvement (Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale), falls (falls weekly registry), fear of falling (assessed using the Falls Efficacy Scale), physical capacity (6-min walk test), and cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment).
Discussion
This study will provide new evidence on the benefits of intensive cognitive-motor balance training on a trampoline for people living with PD. Better guidance on how professionals can apply safer dual-task balance and gait training in rehabilitation is needed.
Trial registration
ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN13160409. Retrospectively registered on February 23, 2022
... Trampolining is a popular sport that brings both fun and health benefits [1][2][3]. Trampolines can be designed in different shapes and sizes, and with various dynamic properties to suit different uses. Most domestic trampoline users are children, and this activity has been promoted to have numerous health benefits for them [4,5]. ...
Trampolining as an activity brings enjoyment and many health benefits, but at the same time it carries an injury risk. Most domestic trampoline users are children who are developing in skill, cognition, risk perception, physical strength and resilience to injury. Several common patterns of child trampoline injuries have been identified and countermeasures outlined in standards have been taken to reduce higher risk injury mechanisms, such as entrapment and falls from the trampoline through design, product and point of sale labelling. In Australia, the first national trampoline standard was published in 2003 which introduced improvements in trampoline design and requirements for labelling and padding. This work investigated the potential impact of these and subsequent changes based on almost two decades of emergency department trampoline injury data collected in Queensland, Australia. These data describe the changing representative proportion and pattern of trampoline injuries in Queensland over time by age, mechanism, gender, severity and nature of injury of injured persons up to the age of 14 years. The interrelationships between different injury characteristics were also analysed to propose the main factors influencing injury occurrence and severity. These findings seem to indicate that safety evolution in the form of enclosure nets, frame impact attenuation and entrapment protection have likely improved domestic trampoline safety. Other factors, such as adult supervision, minimum age and avoidance of multiple users, could further reduce injury but are harder to influence in the domestic setting.
... El equilibrio es un componente que en personas con discapacidad intelectual (DI) es menor, en comparación con la de sus pares sin estas condiciones (Araujo et al., 2018;Fotiadou et al., 2017;Giagazoglou et al., 2013y Patterson et al., 2018. Este aspecto es de suma importancia, ya que no solo afecta las actividades de la vida diaria (AVD), sino que también influye en términos de ejercicio físico y rendimiento deportivo. ...
Propósito ¹:
Este estudio determinó el efecto de un programa de entrenamiento sensoriomotor sobre el equilibrio estático en nadadores con síndrome de Down (SD) y discapacidad intelectual (DI).
Metodología:
Participantes: 13 personas. Instrumentos y materiales: Se utilizó el Modified Clinical Test for Sensory Integration for Balance para determinar el equilibrio y un equipo Wii Balance Board y computadora con programa de análisis del centro de gravedad. Procedimientos: se aplicó un pretest y luego se aplicó un entrenamiento neuromotor (3 sesiones semanales, de 30 minutos, durante 4 semanas), al terminar se aplicó el postest. Por tratarse de deportistas activos continuaron con su rutina sin alteraciones en la carga de entrenamiento. Se usó estadística descriptiva y ANOVA de dos vías 2X2, mediciones y grupos.
Resultados:
No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre la variable mediciones (F = 0.14; p = 0.7162) ni por grupos (F = 0.2; p = 0.6659) en variable ojos abiertos estable. En la variable ojos cerrados inestable sí hubo diferencias significativas (F = 0.952; p = 0.350), por grupos (F = 6.066; p = 0.320), en la variable ojos abiertos inestable no hubo diferencias ni en mediciones (F = 0.852; p = 0.376) ni en grupos (F = 2.484; p = 0.143). En variable ojos cerrados estable no hubo diferencias en mediciones (F = 0.716; p = 0.415) ni por grupos (F = 0.801; p = 0.390). Se demostró que este entrenamiento en esa población produce mejora en la variable equilibrio ya que muestra una diferencia significativa p < 0.05 en la variable ojos abiertos inestable 0.32.
... In the study of Wu et al. (2021), when examining the relationship between basic movement skills and motor fitness quality, a significant relationship was found between movement skills and motor fitness. Movement training, performance tests and morphological scores in our study are similar to the study of Wu et al. [32] Movement education program; It is known that it affects children's jumping and dynamic balance performances positively, [33][34] contributes positively to the development of hand-eye coordination, [35] and contributes positively to large and small motor development. [36] Studies have shown that; if children are encouraged to learn motor skills, their abilities go through a more rapid development phase than expected according to their age. ...
Introduction and Aim: Early childhood is the most important period for gaining basic movement skills and improving physical fitness parameters. Physical fitness level is a determinant of health an early age. Influencing one of the physical fitness parameters related to health or performance directly affects physical fitness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological and motor development characteristics of children in the 12-week movement education program, and a research for 7-9 years old childhood was discussed. Material and Methods: A total of 116 male students aged 7-9 participated in the study. A 12-week movement training program was applied to the students participating in the research. Before starting this program, in order to measure morphological features as a pre-test, body fat ratio, height, body weight, body mass index (BMI), head circumference, neck circumference, chest circumference, abdominal circumference, Hip circumference measurements. On the other hand flexibility, horizontal jump, vertical jumping, push-ups, sit-ups, touching the discs, 10 meters sprint, Balance flamingo measurements were taken as a performance characteristics. The same measurements were taken again as a post-test after the 12-week movement training program was over. The data of the research were analyzed in IBM SPSS 25.0 program. The mean and standard deviation statistics of the data were calculated. The "Shapiro-Wilk" test was used to determine whether the data showed normal distribution, and because all variables showed normal distribution, the Repeated Measures ANOVA (intra-group and intergroup comparison) test was performed and the level of significance was stated as P<0.001. Results: When the morphological characteristics were evaluated, there was a significant difference in body weight and body fat percentage within the group, while no significant difference was found in other tests. In the comparison between the groups, a significant difference was found in all tests except body fat percentage. While a significant difference was detected in all tests within the group in performance tests, no significant difference was found between the groups in flexibility, push-ups, sit-ups and sprint values. Conclusion: 12-week movement-based exercise provided improvements in children's motor development and morphological features. Movement education is important for children's morphological characteristics and motor development.
... Finalmente, Giagazoglou, Kokaridas et al. (2013) presentan un programa de ejercicios para favorecer la capacidad motora y el equilibrio de 12 semanas sobre un trampolín, dirigido a 18 estudiantes de 10 a 12 años con DI leve o moderada. SALGADO-ORELLANA, N. et al. ...
El enfoque de la inclusión social y educativa cobra cada vez mayor relevancia en políticas dirigidas a personas en situación de discapacidad, especialmente cuando sus derechos demandan apoyos desde una perspectiva ecológica y multidimensional. De esta forma, el objetivo de esta revisión sistemática ha sido analizar la investigación relacionada con programas de intervención socioeducativos para niños, jóvenes y adultos con discapacidad intelectual que han seguido métodos experimentales y/o cuasi experimentales. De acuerdo con los lineamientos de la Declaración PRISMA se han seleccionado 19 estudios utilizando bases de datos internacionales, durante el periodo 1995-2020. Los resultados muestran que la mayor cantidad de programas consideran en su muestra, niños y adolescentes (68%) y en menor porcentaje a jóvenes y adultos (31%). Por otro lado, el 52.6% no identifica diseño y tipo de muestra, y la medida más utilizada corresponde a pre y post test (78.9%). Se discuten hallazgos y conclusiones para la mejora de apoyos a las personas con discapacidad intelectual especialmente frente a la crisis sanitaria del COVID-19.
... The participants performed the test 3 times with 3-minute break between repetitions. The best value gained was recorded in ''cm'' [15]. ...
Amaç: Nordic hamstring egzersizi (NHE) hamstring kas kuvvetini arttırmak ve yaralanmaları önlemek amacıyla kullanılmaktadır. NHE'nin akut, uzun süreli ve egzersizi bırakma (detraining) süreçlerinde demografik veriler, esneklik, anaerobik güç, kas hasarı, yorgunluk, oksidatif stres, kan laktat seviyeleri üzerindeki etkilerinin ortaya konması amaçlanmıştır. Gereçler ve yöntemler: 40 sağlıklı, sedanter erkek gönüllü bireye 10 haftalık ilerleyici NHE ve takiben detraining uygulanmıştır. Kas mimarisi ultrasonografik ölçümle ve kas sertliği strain elastografi ile belirlenmiştir. Anaerobik güç, çift ayak durarak uzun atlama ve dikey sıçrama ile esneklik otur-uzan testleriyle değerlendirilmiştir. Kreatin kinaz aktivitesi, oksidan/antioksidan parametreler venöz kandan ticari kitler aracılığıyla ölçülmüştür. Bulgular: NHE, deneklerin kilo vermesini sağlamış; egzersizin 5 hafta boyunca bırakılması ile verilen kilolar geri alınmıştır. Egzersiz deneklerin gonyometre ile ölçülen diz açılarında artışa neden olmuş; bu artış egzersizi bırakma ile geri dönmemiştir. 10 haftalık NHE anaerobik performansta egzersizin bırakılmasıyla kısmen geri dönen artışa sebep olmuştur. NHE, biceps femoris uzun başı alanı ve pennasyon açısında 10 haftalık egzersizi bırakma ile geri dönen bir artış olmuştur. Her egzersiz seansını takiben bireylerin kan laktat düzeyinde, kas ağrısında ve yorgunlukta artış tespit edilmiştir. NHE oksidan/antioksidan parametrelerde değişiklik oluşturmazken; 5 haftalık egzersizi bırakma ile total oksidan kapasite (TOK) ve oksidatif stres indeksi (OSI)’nde artışa sebep olmuştur. 10 haftalık egzersizi bırakma süreci bu parametrelerin yeniden azalmasına neden olmuştur. Sonuç: Bu sonuçlar, kas gücü ve performansı arttırmak amacıyla yaptırılan egzersiz türünün seçiminde yol gösterici olabilecektir.
... When an athlete was rebounding on a trampoline, his or her body requires to be repetitively in movements, his or her eyes must continuously adjust to the different levels of vision i.e., visual input was challenged, thus, forcing one's visual input to integrate effectively with vestibular input and proprioception input to stay balance. In trampoline training program, the improvements in dynamic balance are perceived due to the alterations in complex sensory motor stimulation that triggered athletes to adapt to unstable surface, forcing them to maintain their stability on trampoline simultaneously [16]. ...
Background and Study Aim
Complex sports specific movements often require balance ability. This is accountable for injuryprevention as well. Balance control is vital to athletes for all sports activities. It is the Objective
of the current study to develop and identify balance training program effectiveness in improving dynamic balance among athletes in Malaysian National Sport Schools.
Material and Methods
This study used a true experimental with control group design, involved dynamic balance control measures before and after intervention. A total of 72 male and female athletes were randomly assigned into experimental group or control group after screening process for eligibility. The experimental group underwent 12 sessions of balance training program and the control group continued their usual training routine. The Y-Balance Test was utilized to quantify dynamic balance for both groups. Data was analyzed using independent and paired sample t-test.
Results
The study finding indicated that the experimental group demonstrated significant improvement in the post-test compared to pre-test (p = 0.000, p < 0.001) but no significant changes happened to control group (p = 0.353, p > 0.05). Independent t-test showed during post-test, the experimental group attained better score compared to the control group (p = 0.000, p < 0.001).
Conclusions
It is suggested that coaches and athletes may include this balance training program in their training
regimen, hoping to help in improving dynamic balance, thus, to reduce risk of lower extremity injuries. Future studies are suggested to increase more variances of balance training and make comparison on their effectiveness as a way to obtain a more effective training program.
Keywords: balance control, multisensory system, visual, proprioception, vestibular
... In the European Union (EU), the number of people with disabilities is 80 million, accounting for around 15% of the EU population; 1 in 4 Europeans has a family member suffering from a disability [9]. Among children without intellectual disabilities, many health benefits have been associated with physical activity, including psychosocial benefits [10], balance, muscle power, quality of life [11], neurocognitive function, inhibiting control [12], and better motor activity [13,14]. However, the physical activity level among children and adolescents with intellectual disability is low [2,15]. ...
Background:
Compared to the great volume of studies focusing on children and adolescents without intellectual disability, research regarding body mass index among young populations (13–17 years old) with intellectual disability is scarce, mostly when we refer to the comparisons between various degrees of intellectual disability and gender.
Methods:
The purpose of this study was to assess a series of morphofunctional parameters among children with and without intellectual disability to characterise the morphofunctional normality and its perturbations. Within the study, we included 101 subjects from several educational institutions, distributed on five groups, by their gender and degree of intellectual disability.
Results:
The average values of body mass index exceed the values recommended by the WHO among all the five groups (boys and girls with and without intellectual disabilities) prone to obesity. Upon analysing the values of BMI by gender and type of intellectual disability, we note that the prevalence of obesity among boys is 28.07% (BMI > 24), while 19.29% are overweight (BMI ranging between 21.5 and 24).
Conclusions:
The prevalence of excess weight and obesity among persons with intellectual disabilities was similar among the male and female subjects. It shows an increasing trend by age.
... The benefit of trampolining in improving balance control has been previously reported [6,7]. Trampolines are also used for the training intervention of motor and balance ability of children with intellectual disability (ID); randomised controlled experiments demonstrate significantly improved motor performance, as well as enjoyment, with trampoline training among children with ID [8]. Conversely, there are risks when engaging in physical activity, especially when that activity effectively amplifies the physical abilities of its users [9]. ...
Double bounce is an unusual and potentially very hazardous phenomenon that most trampoline users may have experienced, yet few would have really understood how and why it occurs. This paper provides an in-depth investigation into the double bounce. Firstly, the static and dynamic characteristics of a recreational trampoline are analysed theoretically and verified through experiments. Then, based on the developed trampoline dynamic model, double bounce simulation is conducted with two medicine balls released with different time delays. Through simulation, the process of double bounce is presented in detail, which comprehensively reveals how energy is transferred between users during double bounce. Furthermore, the effect of release time delay on double bounce is also presented. Finally, we conducted an experiment which produced similar results to the simulation and validated the reliability of the trampoline dynamic model and double bounce theoretical analysis.
... In the European Union (EU), the number of people with disabilities is 80 million, accounting for around 15% of the EU population; 1 in 4 Europeans has a family member suffering from a disability [9]. Among children without intellectual disabilities, many health benefits have been associated with physical activity, including psychosocial benefits [10], balance, muscle power, quality of life [11], neurocognitive function, inhibiting control [12], and better motor activity [13,14]. However, the physical activity level among children and adolescents with intellectual disability is low [2,15]. ...
Background: Compared to the great volume of studies focusing on children and adolescents without intellectual disability, research regarding body mass index among young populations (13–17 years old) with intellectual disability is scarce, mostly when we refer to the comparisons between various degrees of intellectual disability and gender. Methods: The purpose of this study was to assess a series of morphofunctional parameters among children with and without intellectual disability to characterise the morphofunctional normality and its perturbations. Within the study, we included 101 subjects from several educational institutions, distributed on five groups, by their gender and degree of intellectual disability. Results: The average values of body mass index exceed the values recommended by the WHO among all the five groups (boys and girls with and without intellectual disabilities) prone to obesity. Upon analysing the values of BMI by gender and type of intellectual disability, we note that the prevalence of obesity among boys is 28.07% (BMI > 24), while 19.29% are overweight (BMI ranging between 21.5 and 24). Conclusions: The prevalence of excess weight and obesity among persons with intellectual disabilities was similar among the male and female subjects. It shows an increasing trend by age.
Background
This study aims to investigate the impact of neuromuscular training (NMT) on static and dynamic postural balance (PB) among high‐level male runners with intellectual disability.
Method
Twenty‐seven runners were randomly assigned to a NMT group and a control group who maintained their conventional training. Static and dynamic PB were assessed using the centre of pressure (CoP) excursions (in bipedal and unipedal stances under open eyes (OE) and closed eyes (CE) conditions) and the star excursion balance test (SEBT), respectively, at pre‐training and post‐training.
Results
The NMT group showed significantly (p < 0.05) decreased CoP values and increased SEBT scores at post‐training compared to pre‐training. The switch from OE to CE did not affect static PB in the bipedal stance, only in the NMT group.
Conclusions
The NMT was effective in improving static and dynamic PB in runners with intellectual disability. The NMT could reduce visual dependency.
1 Gazi Üniversitesi, Eğitim Bilimleri Enstitüsü, Ankara/ Türkiye https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4707-6584 2 Gazi Üniversitesi, Spor Bilimleri Fakültesi, Ankara/ Türkiye https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5871-0089 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3130-4333 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0635-7583 *15. Ulusal Spor Bilimleri Kongresinde sözel bildiri olarak sunulmuştur. ORJINAL MAKALE Özet Bu araştırma; 2022-2023 eğitim-öğretim yılında Yozgat İl Milli Eğitim Müdürlüğü'ne bağlı özel eğitim okulları, özel eğitim sınıfları ve özel eğitim ve rehabilitasyon merkezlerinde görev yapan öğretmen ve öğrenci velilerinin sporun etkilerine yönelik farkındalık ve tutumları arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi amacıyla yapılmıştır. Araştırmaya 130 öğretmen (82 kadın, 48 erkek) ve 321 veli (210 kadın, 111 erkek) toplamda 451 katılımcı gönüllü olarak katılmıştır. İlişkisel tarama modelinin kullanıldığı çalışmada; "Zihinsel Engelli Bireylerde Sporun Etkilerine Yönelik Farkındalık Ölçeği", "Zihinsel Engelli Bireylerin Sportif Etkinliklerine Yönelik Tutum Ölçeği" ve araştırmacılar tarafından oluşturulan "Kişisel Bilgi Formu" uygulanmıştır. Katılımcıların farkındalık ve tutum düzeyleri; cinsiyet, yaş, spor yapma durumu ve öğrenci tıbbi tanıları açısından değerlendirilmiştir. Verilerin analizinde SPSS 22.0 ve AMOS 26 istatistik paket programları kullanılmıştır. Ölçme araçlarından elde edilen verilerin yapı geçerliğine kanıt sağlamak amacıyla "Doğrulayıcı Faktör Analizi" yapılmıştır. Ölçme araçlarının faktör yapısının doğrulanması sonucunda, araştırmada Bağımsız örneklem t testi ve ANOVA post Hoc Tukey testi kullanılmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda; veli ve öğretmenlerin spora yönelik farkındalık ve tutum puanları arasında tüm değişkenler açısından anlamlı farklılıklar görülmüştür. Cinsiyete göre farkındalık ve tutum puanlarında; velilerin olumlu, olumsuz ve toplam tutum puanlarında anlamlı farklılıklar tespit edilirken, öğretmenlerde cinsiyete göre farklılık bulunamamıştır. Erkek velilerin olumlu ve toplam tutum puanları kadın velilere göre daha yüksek iken; olumsuz tutum puanlarının daha düşük olduğu görülmüştür. Sonuç olarak; öğretmenlerin velilere göre sporun etkilerine yönelik farkındalık ve tutum düzeylerinin daha yüksek, kadın velilerin toplam tutum ve olumlu tutum düzeylerinin erkeklerden daha düşük olduğu görülmüştür. Ayrıca velilerde yaş ilerledikçe farkındalık ve tutum düzeylerinin azaldığı tespit edilmiştir. Abstract This research was conducted to examine the relationship between the awareness and attitudes towards the effects of sports the parents whose children study in the special education schools, special education classes and YALOVA ÜNİVERSİTESİ SPOR BİLİMLERİ DERGİSİ
Purpose
This study was planned to examine the effects of strengthening and aerobic exercise training applied to students with intellectual disabilities on balance and functional independence.
Methods
A total of 107 intellectually disabled students, 36 girls, and 71 boys, aged between 11 and 18 years, studying at Denizli Çamlık Special Education Practice Center School were included in the study. In the study, a training program consisting of twice-a-week aerobic exercises was applied for one year and home strengthening exercises three days a week was applied for three months. Participants were assessed before and after the training program. Balance was assessed with the 10-meter walk test and Pediatric Balance Scale (PDS). Functional independence was assessed with the Children’s Functional Independence Measure (WeeFim).
Results
Participants demonstrated significant improvements in 10-meter walking test, PDS and WeeFim scores (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
The results obtained from the study showed that strengthening and aerobic exercise training applied to students with intellectual disabilities positively affected walking, balance, and functional independence.
Individuals with Moderate Intellectual Disability (MID) have lower levels of physical activity than typically developing peers. Considering the positive effects of physical activity on health, it is vital to identify effective exercise interventions for individuals with MID in everyday environments. The aim of our study was to examine the effects of theraband exercises on muscle strength and motor development of individuals with MID. A total of 16 individuals with MID were included in the study. Participants were divided into experimental and control group by random sampling method. Theraband exercise training was applied on the experimental group (60 min/2 days/10 weeks), but no exercise program was applied on the control group. When post-test results were evaluated between the groups, there was significant difference in favour of experimental group in terms of muscle strength and Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency- Second Version-Short Form (BOT-2-SF) total motor performance parameters (p < 0.05). The difference between pre-test and post-test values of total motor performance parameters of muscle strength and BOT-2 SF in experimental group were significant (p < 0.05). As a result, it was found that 10-week (60 min/2 days/10 weeks) theraband exercise positively affected the muscle strength and motor development of individuals with MID.
Background: Having an additional impairment similar to Down Syndrome (DS) might increase defects in motor development in people with intellectual impairments (II) and, therefore, affect their physical fitness and body composition. Thus, this study compared the physical fitness and body composition of people with II who did not have additional impairments with those who had additional impairment.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included N= 272 young people with II, aged 18 to 30 (19.67 ± 2.66 years). According to Wechsler Intelligence Test, their IQ was in the range of 55 to 70. Participants were allocated purposefully to three different II groups, including II without additional disabilities (n= 90), II with DS (n= 89), and II with other disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy (CP), ADHD, Hydrocephaly, Microcephaly, Speech Disorders, or Behavioral Disorders (n= 93). Eurofit Battery Tests assessed physical fitness, and body composition was measured by Biospace (In Body 230).
Results: The results of one-way ANOVA showed significant differences in all physical fitness factors among the three groups (P ≤ 0.05), except for the endurance of abdominal muscles (P= 0.463). There were significant differences in BMI, body fat percentage, and body fat mass among the three II groups (P≤0.05), but not in skeletal muscle mass nor in the waist to hip ratio (WHR) among groups (P>0.05).
Conclusion: People with II who also have DS have the lowest physical fitness and exhibit a weaker body composition than their peers with other impairments or without additional impairment. Improving and maintaining physical fitness have to become a critical part of care and support for these people.
Zihinsel Yetersizliğe Sahip Bireylerde Denge Becerisinin Önemi
Background and Aims Inadequate mobility in intellectual disability causes imbalance. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to investigate the effect of motor interventions on improving the balance of intellectual disability. Methods In this study, a comprehensive review of the effect of motor interventions on improving the balance of the intellectual disability was done by searching the Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect databases with the keywords balance, equilibrium, balance in intellectual disability, balance in mentally retarded, intellectual disabled, and also Persian databases of Google Scholar, Megapaper, IranDoc, Magiran, SID, MedLib and IranMedex from 2000 to February 2021. In this search, two languages, Persian and English, were used. After collecting the search results, first, the title and then the abstract of the articles were studied. If the articles complied with the inclusion and exclusion criteria, their results were used in the present review study and otherwise discarded. Results In the search of texts, a total of 110 articles were found and after deleting similar cases, 44 articles (18 Persian articles and 26 English articles) were selected from the articles that were very closely related to the studied subject. Conclusion A review of studies has shown that performing motor interventions in most studies improves the balance of intellectual disability. However, due to the limitations of the studies, the conclusions of the present study should be interpreted with caution. Although these results can help coaches, exercise teachers, physiotherapists, and therapists improve the balance of intellectual disability, more detailed studies are needed.
Background:
Problems and limitations of movement in individuals with ID are highly common, which particularly may cause the loss of basic performance and limit the person's independence in doing their daily activities. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect and durability of functional exercises on balance evaluation systems test (BESTest) scores of individuals with ID.
Methods:
In the present study, 34 participants with ID were selected randomly and divided into three groups: training groups [unstable group (UG); n = 12; age = 21.46 ± 5.37 years and stable group (SG); n = 12; age = 18.50 ± 2.11 years] or the control group (CG; n = 10; age = 19.50 ± 1.27 years). The postural stability measure was collected with the BESTest. The training groups did the functional exercises for 8 weeks, 3 days/week and 1 h/day. The control group did not experience any training. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS 22 software on a significance level (P < 0.05).
Results:
Both UG and SG training improved the outcome measures [biomechanical constraints (F = 14.04; P = 0.001), limits of stability/verticality (F = 54.39; P = 0.001), postural responses (F = 26.28; P = 0.001), anticipatory postural adjustment (F = 22.72; P = 0.001), stability in gait (F = 51.95; P = 0.001), sensory orientation (F = 83.87; P = 0.001) and total score (F = 114.1; P = 0.001)]. These improvements were maintained at a 1-month follow-up, although the effect was slightly reduced. The results showed that the training group at an unstable level has more balanced improvement compared to the training group at a stable level.
Conclusion:
This study presents evidence that functional exercises can be recognised as a comprehensive and effective mediator in the improvement of balance in individuals with ID and also affect performance and movement activities.
Background: Posture, balance, and movement issues are common in children with Down syndrome. Emerging research suggests that balance training may be advantageous for children with Down syndrome, making it a crucial component of physical activity programmes.
Aim: to ascertain the impact of balance training and activities for core stability on postural control in kids with Down syndrome.
Methodology: single blinded RCT study was conducted, in which assessor was kept blind. While taking into account inclusion and exclusion criteria, children with Down syndrome were randomly divided into two groups with ages ranging from 5 to 17 years. There were 20 patients in the sample. Exercises for core stability were given to Group 2 and balance training to Group 1. The time between treatments was six weeks. The Comprehensive Rehabilitation facility Chakwal is where the data is gathered. The pre- and post-values of postural stability were measured using the paediatric Berg balance scale.
Results: The present results are significantly better in the group B than in the group A. Core stability exercises shows better results than balance training.
Conclusion: According to the results of the current study from the data of before the treatment and after the treatment, it revealed a positive change. In the duration of six weeks the core stability exercises were more effective than balance training in developing postural control among children with Down syndrome.
Background
Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) have lower performance in vertical jumps compared to individuals without ID. Training programmes including drop jump (DJ) exercises to gap this deficit are required. However, there is a lack of knowledge on biomechanical variables may influence DJ performance in young people with ID.
Research question
Are there differences in the neuromuscular, kinetic and kinematic parameters in DJ between male adolescents with and without ID (WID and NID, respectively).
Methods
Thirteen male adolescents WID (Wisk III intelligence quotient: 55.6 ± 11.2) and thirteen age-matched boys NID executed DJ from 30 cm on a force-plate. The vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps femoris (BF) electromyogram (EMG) as well as the knee kinematics and kinetics were obtained.
Results
WID had significantly (p <.05) lower DJ height, knee power, peak angular velocity and stiffness compared to NID. VL activity was higher and BF/VL co-activation was lower in WID than NID.
Significance
The deficit in DJ performance shown in WID was accompanied with lower power and stiffness, as well as lack of coordination in the lower limb muscles. Improving these variables, with specific and targeted training interventions, may diminish the performance gap with their age-matched counterparts.
Background
Poor health-related physical fitness (HRPF) and overweight and obesity are common health problems for children with intellectual disability. This study aimed to review existing lifestyle intervention studies, and identify effective strategies for this population.
Methods
A systematic search was undertaken in three databases. The random-effects model was used to pool the weighted results by inverse variance methods, and the I2 statistic was applied to assess heterogeneity among the included studies.
Results
Most of the identified interventions (27/29) adopted physical activity (PA). For obesity-related outcomes, the results showed no significant effect of PA studies on reducing obesity. For HRPF outcomes, significant effects were found on 6-min walk distance (51.86 m, 95% CI [16.49, 87.22], p < .05).
Conclusions
PA is the predominant intervention component adopted and may contribute to improving cardiopulmonary fitness; but the lack of research limits our ability to draw any confirmed conclusion on obesity-related outcomes and other HRPF outcomes.
Objective
To characterize physical activity levels of adults with mental retardation and identify limitations in published research.
Data Sources
Key word searches for “mental retardation, ” “intellectual disability, ” “learning disability, ” or “developmental disability” combined with “physical activity” or “habitual exercise” identified articles from MEDLINE, Academic Search Elite, Psych Articles, Health Source, and SPORT Discus. This produced a total of 801 citations.
Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
Published English-language literature that quantitatively measured physical activity levels of adults with mental retardation was included in this review. Fourteen articles met this criterion.
Data Extraction
Characteristics of participants, study design, outcome measures, methods of analyses, and findings in terms of percentages, step counts, and acceleromeler output were extracted.
Data Synthesis
Data were synthesized to identify the percentage of adults with mental retardation who met published health-related physical activity criteria and compare them with adults without mental retardation and to examine study limitations.
Results
The studies with the greatest rigor indicate that one-third of adults or fewer with mental retardation were sufficiently active to achieve health benefits. However, data are insufficient to determine whether adults with mental retardation are less active than the general community.
Conclusions
Future research would be enhanced by including appropriately powered representative samples, by including comparison groups, by validating physical activity questionnaires, and by determining the accuracy of proxy respondents.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of balance training and postural exercises on the functional level in individuals with mild mental retardation. Material and methods: Twenty-eight mildly mentally retarded (IQ=50-70) students who were attending the Special Education Elementary School were included for this study. Participants were randomly assigned to exercise (N=14) and control (N=14) groups. The exercise group participated in a balance training and postural exercise program with a Swiss ball for 8 weeks at a frequency of three times per week, in addition to the physical education program at the school. The control group followed only the physical education program at the school. Muscle endurance (Sit-Ups Test), flexibility (Sit and Reach Test), muscle strength and coordination (Chair Rising Test), functional mobility (Timed Up and Go Test and 50 Foot Walking Test) and balance (Pediatric Balance Scale) tests were performed to assess those variables. Assessments were performed prior to commencing the exercise program and after completion of the exercise program. Results: There was no statistically significant difference when the two groups were compared (p>0.05). A statistically significant difference was found in all parameters except flexibility in the exercise group (p<0.05). Conclusions: It was concluded that balance training and postural exercises were effective in improving the functional level in individuals with mental retardation.
Limitations in mobility are common in persons with intellectual disabilities (ID). As balance and gait capacities are key aspects of mobility, the prevalence of balance and gait problems is also expected to be high in this population. The objective of this study was to critically review the available literature on balance and gait characteristics in persons with ID. Furthermore, the consequences of balance and gait problems in relation to falls were studied, as well as the trainability of balance and gait in persons with ID. The systematic literature search identified 48 articles to be included in this review. The literature consistently reports that balance and gait capacities are affected in persons with ID compared to their age-matched peers. These problems start at a young age and remain present during the entire lifespan of persons with ID, with a relatively early occurrence of age-related decline. From these results a conceptual model was suggested in which the development of balance and gait capacities in the ID population across the life span are compared to the general population. Regarding the second objective, our review showed that, although the relationship of balance and gait problems with falls has not yet been thoroughly investigated in persons with ID, there is some preliminary evidence that these aspects are also important in the ID population. Finally, this review demonstrates that balance and gait are potentially trainable in persons with ID. These results suggest that falls might be prevented with ID-specific exercise interventions.
Falls have been described by several studies as the major cause of hip and femur fractures among the elderly. Therefore, interventions to reduce fall risks, improve dynamic stability and the falling recovery strategies in the elderly population are highly relevant. This study aimed at investigating the effects of a 14-week mini-trampoline exercise intervention regarding the mechanisms of dynamic stability on elderly balance ability during sudden forward falls. Twenty-two elderly subjects participated on mini-trampoline training and 12 subjects were taken as controls. The subjects of the experimental group were evaluated before and after the 14-week trampoline training (exercised group), whereas control subjects were evaluated twice in the forward fall task with a three-month interval. The applied exercise intervention increased the plantarflexors muscle strength (∼10%) as well as the ability to regain balance during the forward falls (∼35%). The 14-week mini-trampoline training intervention increased elderly abilities to recover balance during forward falls; the improvement was attributed to the higher rate of hip moment generation.
The purpose of this study was to describe the change in physical fitness of middle-aged adults with an intellectual disability over a period of 13 years. Participants were 32 adults who worked in a supported work environment in Montreal and had been participants in a physical fitness study in 1983. Using the Canadian Standardized Test of Fitness, the participants were evaluated for cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. A home visit prior to the testing session refamiliarized the participants with the test procedures. Two forms of analysis were used to describe the change in fitness over 13 years. First, a 2 x 2 (Group x Time) analysis of variance for each dependent variable assessed change over time. Second, effect sizes were calculated to measure the magnitude of change in fitness over the 13-year period in comparison to those without an intellectual disability. As expected, the physical fitness levels of the participants were low when compared to those without a disability and declined over the 13 years. In addition, the magnitude of change over the 13 years, as compared to those without a disability, was greater for male and female participants for body mass index and percentage of body fat and for female participants for cardiovascular endurance and sit-ups. It appears that adults with an intellectual disability may be particularly at risk for declining health associated with aging and low physical fitness.
Despite the growth in health promotion programs for able-bodied people, very little effort has been devoted to developing programs for people with physical and cognitive disabilities. Programs for people with disabilities must be developed with full recognition of limitations caused by both the primary and secondary disability.
Persons with intellectual disability (ID) and associated multiple disabilities have been found by many researchers to be a population with deficient physical fitness measures, which can be explained by an inactive lifestyle, a result of lack of awareness of the positive physical effects of physical exercise, or lack of motivation for any motor activity. Various plans for physical exercise have been put forward, but many are found impractical in nonresearch-based intervention. In this study, 15 children with ID on a motor functioning level of 7-14 months used a treadmill daily for 2 months. Our findings indicated a most significant improvement in the level of physical fitness of the participants (p < 0.005), as measured by pulse at rest and during effort. The improvement in physical fitness modestly (r = 0.5), but significantly (p < 0.05), correlated with a significant (p < 0.0007) improvement in functional ability of the participating children. Further examination a year after intervention terminated showed a return to preintervention pulse-at-rest values. The research examined the treadmill training method and found that it can be operated with the support of an unskilled staff person under the supervision of a physiotherapist. The research was performed under real-life conditions, enabling relatively easy implementation in the existing conditions of special education centers. This method is a type of exercise that is easy to operate without entailing long-term budgetary expenses and might improve the health status of children with ID, who are a population at risk for developing heart-related diseases at a young age.
To assess balance in single-limb stance, center of pressure movements can be registered by stabilometry with force platforms. This can be used for evaluation of injuries to the lower extremities. It is important to ensure that the assessment tools we use in the clinical setting and in research have minimal measurement error. Previous studies have shown that the ability to maintain standing balance is decreased by fatiguing exercise. There is, however, a need for further studies regarding possible effects of general exercise on balance in single-limb stance. The aims of this study were: 1) to assess the test-retest reliability of balance variables measured in single-limb stance on a force platform, and 2) to study the effect of exercise on balance in single-limb stance, in healthy subjects.
Forty-two individuals were examined for test-retest reliability, and 24 individuals were tested before (pre-exercise) and after (post-exercise) short-duration, sub-maximal cycling. Amplitude and average speed of center of pressure movements were registered in the frontal and sagittal planes. Mean difference between test and retest with 95% confidence interval, the intraclass correlation coefficient, and the Bland and Altman graphs with limits of agreement, were used as statistical methods for assessing test-retest reliability. The paired t-test was used for comparisons between pre- and post-exercise measurements.
No difference was found between test and retest. The intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.79 to 0.95 in all stabilometric variables except one. The limits of agreement revealed that small changes in an individual's performance cannot be detected. Higher values were found after cycling in three of the eight stabilometric variables.
The absence of systematic variation and the high ICC values, indicate that the test is reliable for distinguishing among groups of subjects. However, relatively large differences in an individual's balance performance would be required to confidently state that a change is real. The higher values found after cycling, indicate compensatory mechanisms intended to maintain balance, or a decreased ability to maintain balance. It is recommended that average speed and DEV 10; the variables showing the best reliability and effects of exercise, be used in future studies.
To characterize physical activity levels of adults with mental retardation and identify limitations in published research.
Key word searches for "mental retardation," "intellectual disability," "learning disability," or "developmental disability" combined with "physical activity" or "habitual exercise" identified articles from MEDLINE, Academic Search Elite, Psych Articles, Health Source, and SPORT Discus. This produced a total of 801 citations.
Published English-language literature that quantitatively measured physical activity levels of adults with mental retardation was included in this review. Fourteen articles met this criterion.
Characteristics of participants, study design, outcome measures, methods of analyses, and findings in terms of percentages, step counts, and accelerometer output were extracted.
Data were synthesized to identify the percentage of adults with mental retardation who met published health-related physical activity criteria and compare them with adults without mental retardation and to examine study limitations.
The studies with the greatest rigor indicate that one-third of adults or fewer with mental retardation were sufficiently active to achieve health benefits. However, data are insufficient to determine whether adults with mental retardation are less active than the general community.
Future research would be enhanced by including appropriately powered representative samples, by including comparison groups, by validating physical activity questionnaires, and by determining the accuracy of proxy respondents.
This review characterizes physical activity behavior in youth with intellectual disability (ID) and identifies limitations in the published research. Keyword searches were used to identify articles from MEDLINE, EBSCOhost Research Databases, Psych Articles, Health Source, and SPORT Discus, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses up to June 2007. Data were extracted from each study using a template of key items that included participant population, study design, data source, and outcome measure. Nineteen manuscripts met the inclusion criteria. Findings were mixed, with various studies indicating that youth with ID have lower, similar, and higher physical activity levels than peers without disabilities. Only two studies provided enough information to determine that some youth with ID were meeting minimum physical activity standards. Significant methodological limitations prohibit clear conclusions regarding physical activity in youth with ID.
This Policy Statement was revised. See https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2012-2082
The latest available data indicate that an estimated 83 400 trampoline-related injuries occurred in 1996 in the United States. This represents an annual rate 140% higher than was reported in 1990. Most injuries were sustained on home trampolines. In addition, 30% of trampoline-related injuries treated in an emergency department were fractures often resulting in hospitalization and surgery. These data support the American Academy of Pediatrics' reaffirmation of its recommendation that trampolines should never be used in the home environment, in routine physical education classes, or in outdoor playgrounds. Design and behavioral recommendations are made for the limited use of trampolines in supervised training programs.
The purpose was to examine the reliability of physical fitness items from the Eurofit Test Battery for adolescent males with mild mental retardation (MMR: n = 63, mean IQ = 63.0 ± 11.5, mean age = 15.5 ± 1.2) and those without (n = 22, mean age = 15.6 ± 0.6). Males with MMR scored significantly lower (p < .005) than those without on all items except sum of skinfolds, height, and weight. Intraclass correlations (ICCs) ranged from .94 to .99 for males with MMR and .85 to .99 for those without. Percentage error of the mean for all items ranged from 0.5 to 47.5% for participants with MMR and 0.4 to 32.2% for those without. ICCs indicated that Eurofit physical fitness test items are reliable measures for males with and without MMR. However, the percentage error of the mean is quite large for sit-and-reach and 20-m shuttle test (20-MST) items.
Increasing physical activity among all Americans is a public health priority. Physical inactivity contributes to the development of many secondary health complications such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Older adults with developmental disabilities must also participate in physical activity to prevent these types of secondary health complications. The purpose of this article is to review the consequences of inactivity among older adults with developmental disabilities and the benefits of exercise for this population. Barriers to physical activity and ways to promote activity in this population are discussed. The article will also review public health initiatives and community programming efforts to increase activity in older adults with developmental disabilities. Finally, some basic suggestions to promote fitness among individuals with developmental disabilities are also reviewed.
This study investigated health-related fitness in adolescents with intellectual disabilities and analysed the various performances in physical fitness tests according to degrees of obesity.
Eighty-seven French intellectual disabilities adolescents (14.24 ± 1.48 years) performed the EUROFIT physical fitness test battery. Height, weight and waist circumference were assessed, and BMI and waist-to-height ratio were calculated. 'Bio-impedancemetry' evaluated body fat (BF) percentage.
Ninety-four per cent of the adolescents completed the aerobic running test, 52% of which had low VO(2max). Thirty-seven per cent were obese (%BF), and 32% had excess visceral adipose tissue. Adolescents with the lowest cardiorespiratory fitness had the highest BF percentages (P < 0.001).
Intellectual disabilities adolescents showed low physical fitness and high prevalence of obesity. Both could further worsen social participation and health status.
Intellectual disability affects all spheres of people's lives who suffer from it. It lowers the level of intellectual functioning, often stigmatizes, characteristically changing features, and decreases motor performance. Unfortunately, modern medicine cannot cure intellectual disability; however, there is a chance to improve the quality of life of people with mental retardation by means of physical exercises and by enhancing coordination, the quality of gait and efficiency in performing everyday activities. This paper deals with observations of static balance in 40 young females and males with mild Down syndrome, out of which 20 were subjected to a three-month sensorimotor training programme. The participants performed exercises with rehabilitation balls and air pillows twice a week, and the remaining persons constituted a control group. The balance platform test conducted at the beginning of the experiment revealed that the level of static one-legged balance was similar in both groups. A significant difference was noted in the length of the path of the general centre of gravity (COG) and the time frame in which the vertical projection of COG remained within the 13 mm radius circle, between the result of the test conducted under visual control and with the eyes closed, both in the group of the participants performing exercises and the ones who did not do them. After the training sessions the results of both tests improved in the group of the persons subjected to the training programme, however differences between the groups were not statistically significant, apart from the comparison of the time of keeping COG within the 13 mm radius circle at the beginning and at the end of the experiment by the participants who were physically active. Our results lead to a conclusion that exercises with the use of unstable surfaces improve deep sensibility in people with mild mental retardation.
This paper presents the results of the study which examined the effects of carefully designed physical exercise programs on the development of physical fitness in children with ID. The study sample consisted of 42 children with ID and 45 typically developing children. All the participants were assessed using Eurofit Test Battery. The results were analyzed in terms of participation in the exercise program and level of intellectual functioning. While ID children scored significantly lower on fitness tests when compared with typically developing children, the study revealed an association between degree of ID and physical fitness.
Falls among people with intellectual disability (ID) occur at a younger age than the general population and are a significant cause of injury and hospitalisation. There is very limited research investigating risk factors for falls among people with ID and none with people living outside of formal care arrangements, either independently or with their family.We used a medical chart audit to identify the incidence and risk factors for falls among people with ID living in a variety of settings.
We retrospectively identified 114 consecutive patients, aged 18 years and over who attended a clinic for people with developmental disabilities within a 15-month period. Fall information was measured by carer recall of falls in the past 12 months. Potential risk factors were extracted from medical reports and a patient information questionnaire. Potential predictors were identified using univariate analysis and entered into a multiple logistic regression.
Of 114 participants, 39 (34%) reported a fall in the previous 12 months.The number of reported falls was similar for formal care and non-formal care arrangements.The vast majority of fallers (84%) reported sustaining an injury from a fall and many potential risk factors were identified. Multivariate analysis revealed having seizures in the past 5 years, a history of fracture and increasing age were risk factors for falls.
Falls are a significant health concern for adults with ID of all ages as a result of their incidence and the resulting injuries. Falls appear to be equally an issue for people residing in formal and non-formal care accommodation. Further research is needed to develop screening tools and interventions for this population.
The purpose of this study was to assess whether reaction time in persons with intellectual disabilities can be improved with an exercise program. 50 children and adolescents (M age = 14.7 yr., SD = 1.4, range = 11-18) with mild intellectual disability without Downs syndrome were randomly divided into control (20 boys, 5 girls) and experimental (19 boys, 6 girls) groups. The experimental group participated in a structured physical fitness program for 12 weeks. Reaction time was assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Significant improvements in reaction time were observed in the exercise group but not for the control group. Results indicated that reaction time can be improved with an exercise program in youth with intellectual disability.
There is a relatively small body of research on the motor performance of children with mild intellectual disabilities (MID) and borderline intellectual functioning (BIF). Adequate levels of motor skills may contribute to lifelong enjoyment of physical activity, participation in sports and healthy lifestyles. The present study compares the motor skills of children with intellectual disability (ID) to the abilities observed in typically developing children. It also aimed to determine whether there is an association between degree of ID and motor performance.
A total of 170 children between 7 and 12 years old with MID or BIF, who attended schools for special education, were examined on the test component of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC) test. Both groups were compared with the norm scores of the total score, sub-scale scores and individual items of the MABC test.
Of the children, 81.8% with MID and 60.0% with BIF performed below the 16th percentile on the total score of the MABC. Both groups demonstrated a relative weakness in the area of manual dexterity. Comparisons between both groups showed small to moderate effect sizes on the total score of the MABC, as well as for all three sub-scales, favouring the children with BIF.
Children with ID had significantly more borderline and definite motor problems than the normative sample and there was an association between degree of ID and performance of manual dexterity, ball skills and balance skills. This study highlights the importance of improving motor skill performance in both children with borderline and mild ID, and the results support the notion that the level of motor and cognitive functioning are related in children with ID.
It has been suggested that children with intellectual disabilities (ID) have motor problems and higher-order cognitive deficits. The aim of this study was to examine the motor skills and executive functions in school-age children with borderline and mild ID. The second aim was to investigate the relationship between the two performance domains.
Sixty-one children aged between 7 and 12 years diagnosed with borderline ID (33 boys and 28 girls; 71 < IQ < 79) and 36 age peers with mild ID (24 boys and 12 girls; 54 < IQ < 70) were assessed. Their abilities were compared with those of 97 age- and gender-matched typically developing children. Qualitative motor skills, i.e. locomotor ability and object control, were evaluated with the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2). Executive functioning (EF), in terms of planning ability, strategic decision-making and problem solving, was gauged with the Tower of London (TOL) task.
Compared with the reference group, the full ID cohort scored significantly lower on all assessments. For the locomotor skills, the children with mild ID scored significantly lower than the children with borderline ID, but for the object control skills and the TOL score, no significant differences between the two groups were found. Motor performance and EF correlated positively. At the most complex level, the TOL showed decision time to be a mediator between motor performance and EF: the children with the lower motor scores had significantly shorter decision times and lower EF scores. Analogously, the children with the lower object control scores had longer execution times and lower EF scores.
The current results support the notion that besides being impaired in qualitative motor skills intellectually challenged children are also impaired in higher-order executive functions. The deficits in the two domains are interrelated, so early interventions boosting their motor and cognitive development are recommended.
Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are in need of effective and motivating physical fitness training programs. The aim was to test the effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR)-based exercise program in improving the physical fitness of adults with severe IDD when implemented by on-site caregivers. A research group (N=20; mean age+/-standard deviation=47.9+/-8.6 years; severe IDD level) was matched for age, IDD level and functional abilities with a comparison group (N=24, mean age=46.2+/-9.3 years; severe IDD level). An 8-week fitness program consisting of 2-3 30-min sessions per week included game-like exercises provided by the IREX/GX video capture VR system. Changes in physical fitness were monitored by changes in heart rate at rest. A significant (P<0.005) reduction in heart rate was demonstrated for the research group. No change in heart rate was monitored in the comparison group. Despite statistically significant improvements in heart rate, the results are not strong enough functionally to claim that this program improved physical fitness of individuals with severe intellectual disability.
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a rhythmic gymnastics program on the dynamic balance ability of a group of adults with intellectual disability (ID). The sample consisted of 18 adults with ID. The control group consisted of 8 adults and an intervention group of 10. The subjects were assigned to each group according to their desire to participate or not in the intervention program. Both groups were comparable in terms of age, weight, height, IQ, and socioeconomic background. The intervention group received a 12-week rhythmic gymnastics program at a frequency of 3 lessons per week, of 45 minutes. The methods of data collection included pre/post-test measurements of the dynamic balance for all subjects of both groups. The dynamic balance ability was measured by means of a balance deck (Lafayette) and was determined by the number of seconds the subject could remain standing on the platform of the stabilometer in durations of 30-, 45-, and 60-second intervals. As the results indicated, the intervention group showed a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) in terms of dynamic balance ability in each interval after the application of the rhythmic gymnastics program when compared with the control group. It is concluded that adults with ID can improve their balance ability with the application of a well-designed rhythmic gymnastics program.
Physical inactivity is a global public health problem, and it has been linked to many of the most serious illnesses facing many industrialized nations. There is little evidence examining the physical activity profile and determinants for the vulnerable population such as people with intellectual disabilities (ID). The present paper aims to describe the regular physical activity prevalence and to examine its determinants among adolescents with intellectual disabilities in Taiwan. Participants were recruited from 3 special education schools in Taiwan, with the entire response participants composed of 351 primary caregivers of adolescents with ID (age 16-18 years). There were 29.9% ID individuals had regular physical activity habits, and the main physical activities were walking, sports, and jogging. There were only 8% individuals with ID met the national physical activity recommendation in Taiwan which suggests at least exercise 3 times per week and 30 min per time. In a stepwise logistic regression analysis of regular physical activity habit, we found that the factors of caregiver's educational level and preference toward physical activity were variables that can significantly predict ID individuals who had regular physical activity habit in their daily livings after controlling other factors. To maximize the positive effect of physical activity on people with ID, the present study suggests that it is needed to initiate appropriate techniques used for motivation to participate in physical activity for this population.
To assess body equilibrium in athletes with intellectual disability, 60 adults with intellectual disability (30 Down syndrome, 30 nonsyndromic) participating in the 2005 Italian Special Olympics games were tested, and data for 30 healthy control adults were tested. Each subject performed four posturographic tests with open eyes, open eyes and cotton rolls between antagonist teeth, and closed eyes and cotton rolls between teeth. For each subject and test, oscillations of the body's center of foot pressure on a force platform were measured. Comparisons of the center of foot pressure sway area between groups were computed. Ratios of the sway area for the center of foot pressure among experimental conditions were compared for all athletes. The athletes with Down syndrome had larger sway of center of foot pressure area than controls and smaller than that of athletes for the nonsyndromic. All participants oscillated less with open eyes than with closed eyes. The cotton rolls reduced the sway area for the center of foot pressure by participants, while athletes with intellectual disability showed larger body sway than healthy ones, but cotton rolls between the teeth seemed to improve their postural performance.
The Eurofit Special Test is a battery of motor fitness tests resulting from a 10-year project of the Committee of Experts for Sports Research and is comprised of strength, speed, flexibility, and balance. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the Eurofit Special was able to distinguish variations in functioning among individuals with intellectual disabilities. Significant differences were found in long jump flexibility 25-m dash, medicine ball throw, balance walk, sit ups in 30-s. Analyses demonstrated that the Eurofit Special was able to discriminate performance levels by gender, age, and level of intellectual disability (mild: 177 female, 368 male; moderate: 359 female, 476 male; severe: 92 female, 111 male).
The purpose of this study was to investigate the kinematic and electromyography strategy used by individuals with intellectual disability to keep equilibrium during anterior-posterior balance on seesaws with different degrees of instability.
Six individuals with Down syndrome (DS) and six control group individuals (CG) balanced on three seesaws. The movement of the hip, knee and ankle joints and electromyography activities of selected leg and trunk muscles were recorded.
Both groups maintained their balance mainly at the ankle joint. Contrary to the CG, the individuals with DS adopted a pattern of co-contraction and were not able to modulate the magnitude of postural response with the seesaw's degree of instability.
These unusual strategies used by individuals with DS, such as their inability to discriminate different levels of mechanical demands in terms of the seesaw's instability, can reflect deficits in the proprioceptive system. The integration at cerebellum level could be a good candidate.