The Relationship between Balance Performance and Working Memory Capacity in Individuals with and without Down Syndrome

Balance and cognitive problems lead to reduced mobility in Down syndrome patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the balance features and its relationship with memory capacity in children with and without Down syndrome.
In the present study, 20 participants with Down syndrome and 20 healthy individuals identical in age and sex and other demographic characteristics were tested. Participants' static and dynamic balance performances were measured using test of standing on the dominant leg with open and closed eyes, functional reach test, tandem walking test, time up and go test, 360 degree rotation test, and Y balance test. Also, each participant's capacity of working memory was measured via the forward and backward counting. Independent t-test and Pearson correlation test were used at the significance level of p < 0.05.
The results showed that there is a significant relationship between working memory and some of the balance factors (p < 0.05). Also, the balance performance of Down syndrome patients was significantly lower than that of healthy participants. The working memory capacity in the patients with syndrome showed a significant difference with healthy participants (p < 0.05).
The results showed that the cognitive function can affect postural control. Therefore, in addition to reinforcement of the muscular and sensory system, cognitive interventions can also be effective in improving balance.