EFFECT OF BRAIN GYM EXERCISES ON POSTURAL STABILITY IN CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME

Abstract

Aliaa A. Goda, Mohamed B. Ibrahim, Abeer M.Salamah, Ahmed Torad* and Nesma EM.Baraka

Background: Children with Down Syndrome experience delayed development, mainly influence their postural stability, where Brain Gym is an easily intentional approach involves simple and enjoyable series of twentysix movement activities that promotes whole child brain learning that thought to improve Down syndrome children postural control and related quality of life.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Brain Gym exercises on postural stability in children with Down syndrome.

Material&Methods: A single prospective clinical, randomized control trial. It involved thirty-two children with Down syndrome, their age range was 6-12 years old, they were randomly assigned into two equal groups Group (A): received Brain Gym (Midline movement, Energy exercises, Deeping attitudes, Lengthening activities) exercises and traditional balance program. Group (B): received traditional balance (static, dynamic and functional) program. All children were trained one hour per day, three times a week, and pre and post interventional values were measured and analyzed.

Results: No significant differences in both groups age, height, weight, and sex distribution (>0.05). Significant increase in group A in terms of single leg stance test by 245%, time up and go test by 34.8%, and paediatric balance scale by 8%, while group B were 158%, 14.2%, and 4%, respectively.

Conclusions: It can be concluded that BG exercises are effective in immediate improving postural stability in children aged 6-12 years old with Down syndrome .