Balance Assessment, Down Syndrome (DS), Physical Activities, Rehabilitation, Yoga
Conditions
Keywords
Down Syndrome, Yoga Therapy, Balance, Physical Performance, Rehabilitation
Brief summary
Children with Down syndrome commonly exhibit hypotonia, impaired balance, and reduced functional mobility. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a structured yoga-based physical activity program on balance and functional performance in children with Down syndrome. Fifteen children aged 7-12 years participated in a 12-week intervention program consisting of adaptive yoga exercises, breathing techniques, and relaxation practices. Outcome measures included balance assessment using a sensor-based digital system and functional performance tests. The findings are expected to provide evidence on the effectiveness of structured physical activity interventions in improving motor performance in children with Down syndrome.
Detailed description
This study was designed as a single-group interventional pilot study to investigate the effects of a structured yoga-based physical activity program on balance and functional performance in children with Down syndrome. Participants aged between 7 and 12 years were recruited from a special education center. The intervention lasted 12 weeks and included adaptive yoga postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques tailored to the functional abilities of the participants. Balance was assessed using a sensor-based digital balance system, and functional performance was evaluated using standardized clinical tests including the Timed Up and Go test, Five Times Sit to Stand test, Two-Minute Walk Test, and One-Leg Balance Test. Assessments were conducted before and after the intervention. The study aimed to explore whether structured physical activity can improve postural control and functional mobility in children with Down syndrome. This pilot study provides preliminary evidence to support the integration of structured physical activity programs into rehabilitation strategies for children with Down syndrome.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALYoga Program
A structured yoga-based exercise program including balance, coordination, and postural control exercises tailored for children with Down syndrome. The intervention aimed to enhance motor performance and functional abilities.
Sponsors
Ankara University
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
All participants were assigned to a single group and received the same structured yoga-based physical activity intervention. Outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
7 Years to 18 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Children aged 7-18 years with a clinical diagnosis of Down syndrome * Ability to follow simple verbal instructions * Ability to stand independently with or without assistive devices * Participation in a structured physical activity program * Informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians
Exclusion criteria
* Severe orthopedic, neurological, or cardiovascular conditions affecting balance or mobility * Uncontrolled epilepsy * Severe visual or vestibular impairments affecting balance * Recent lower limb surgery or injury (within the past 6 months) * Inability to complete assessment procedures
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Static Balance Performance | Baseline and 8 weeks intervention | Static balance was assessed using a sensor-based balance system (BOBO Pro 2). Measurements included stability and postural sway parameters recorded during quiet standing in children with Down syndrome. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Balance Performance | Baseline and 8 weeks intervention | Dynamic balance was evaluated using functional balance tasks with a sensor-based system (BOBO Pro 2), assessing movement control and postural stability during dynamic activities in children with Down syndrome. |
| Functional Performance (Timed Up and Go Test and Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test) | Baseline and 8 weeks intervention | Functional performance was assessed using standardized functional tests including the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and the Five Times Sit-to-Stand (5xSTS) test. The TUG test evaluates functional mobility, balance, and walking ability, and is recorded as the time in seconds required to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn, walk back, and sit down. The 5xSTS test assesses lower limb strength and functional mobility and is recorded as the time in seconds required to complete five consecutive sit-to-stand repetitions. All assessments were conducted in children with Down syndrome. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed