Whole-Body Vibration Versus Gravity Force Stimulation on Postural Stability in Children With Down Syndrome

Whole-Body Vibration Versus Gravity Force Stimulation on Postural Stability in Children With Down Syndrome

The purpose of the study is to compare the effect between of whole-body vibration and gravity force stimulation on postural stability in children with Down syndrome.

Down Syndrome (DS) is one of genetic disorders characterized by some common clinical and functional features. Most children with Down syndrome have deficits in postural stability or balance, co-ordination, gait, and functional mobility throughout childhood and adulthood. Postural control dysfunctions are the most common problems found in children with DS leads them to be more inactive, which contributes to functional mobility problems. Several techniques that involve proprioceptive, vestibular, and visual inputs are so beneficial to children with DS. Whole-body vibration (WBV) is one of the training methods that use high-frequency mechanical stimuli generated by a vibrating platform and transmitted through the body, leading to bone loading and sensory receptor stimulation. Gravity force stimulation (GFS) has a strong impact on the child's sensory system helping to normalize the system through exercises that send strong messages to the brain to regulate the tactile, proprioceptive and vestibular components. Hence, there is need to compare between the effects of whole-body vibration training and gravity force stimulation on postural stability in children with Down syndrome.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Children ages will be ranged from 8 to 10 years old.
2. Functional hearing and vision.
3. Mild and moderate mental retardation with IQ level (50-70) determined by a psychiatric specialist in the school (IQ measured by Stanford-Binet intelligence scale)
4. Independent standing and walking.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Synptomatic pain.
2. Musculoskeletal problems or/ atlanto-axial instability.
3. Rheumatic and congenital heart disease
4. History of previous surgical operation
5. Regular participation in any sport activities.