The study of the effect of progressive resistance training on functional balance of 8-12 years old children with Down syndrome

Rehabilitation interventions have significant role in reducing the disabilities of Down syndrome. Due to great role of balance in the function of individuals particularly in Activity of Daily Living and the effect of strength on balance، the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Progressive Resistive Exercise on functional balance in children with Down syndrome.

Fifteen girls children aged between 8 and 12 years، with Down syndrome participated in this study by available sampling method. The subjects participated three times per week in a six-week progressive strengthening program. During intervention، 3 of them excluded. Balance were measured by Berg Balance Scale and right/left hip abductor and flexor، knee extensor and flexor muscles isometric strengths were measured by Nickolas hand-held dynamometer. Paired-sampled T-Test was used for data analysis.

The results of this study showed that the mean of functional balance and muscles isometric strengths were significantly increased after intervention (P<0. 001).

It seems that the results of this study confirm the effect of progressive resistance training on progressing functional balance، and 8-12 years old children with Down syndrome can benefit from these exercises.