Effects of Swiss Ball and Frenkel Exercises on Balance in Children with Down Syndrome

What this Trial Is About

Down syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability and affects many individuals worldwide, including approximately 11,000 people in Australia and 250,000 in the USA. Children with Down syndrome often experience challenges such as low muscle tone, loose ligaments, weak muscles, poor muscle coordination, difficulty controlling posture, and impaired body awareness. This research compares two therapeutic exercise methods, Frenkel exercises and Swiss ball exercises, to see how they affect both static and dynamic balance in children with Down syndrome. The study is a randomized clinical trial involving 32 children aged 8 to 13 years diagnosed with Down syndrome who can stand and walk independently and understand instructions. Participants are randomly divided into two groups: one group performs Frenkel exercises, and the other performs Swiss ball exercises. Both types of exercises are done in lying down, sitting, and standing positions for about 25 to 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week, over 8 weeks. These treatments are added to routine physical therapy. Participants will be assessed before and after the 8-week intervention using balance tests including the Pediatric Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go test, and Romberg test to measure improvements in balance and coordination. Data will be collected and analyzed to evaluate the effects of the two exercise methods on balance. The study excludes children with certain heart conditions, severe mental retardation, visual or hearing impairments, mobility disorders, epilepsy signs, or instability of the atlanto-axial joint.

Swiss Ball Versus Frenkel Exercises Effects in Down Syndrome