Pilates Exercises and Down Syndrome

Effect of Pilates Exercises on Balance and Gross Motor Co-Ordination In Children With Down Syndrome

Down syndrome is one of the genetic disorders that affect postural control and balance in children. Balance involves controlling the position of the body in space to achieve stability and orientation. pilates exercises are one of several techniques that are used to improve balance and postural control in adults and children.

the purpose of the study is To investigate the effect of Pilates exercises on balance and gross motor co-ordination in children with Down syndrome

Group A performed flexibility, strength, and endurance exercises that focused on the lower extremity and trunk muscles, exercise for postural stability in various positions and surfaces, including flexibility exercises for the hip, knee and calf muscle. Strengthening exercises included the core muscles, hip abductors, hip extensors hamstrings and quadriceps knee extension in high sitting. Postural control involved walking in all directions, exceeding the limits of stability in various positions such as kneeling, half kneeling, standing on rough and soft surfaces, Each session started with a warming up and cooling down of 5 minutes for each period and each session lasted for 45 minutes.

Group B received the same program of exercises given to group A in addition to 45 minutes of Pilates exercises to improve balance and gross motor coordination. Exercises were performed on a mat, a medical ball, and from a standing position, focusing on maintaining core contraction, spinal and pelvic alignment, and respiration rhythm. Ten repetitions of Pilates exercises will be performed with a 2-minute rest period between repetitions. Both groups will attended the intervention program three times/week for 3 months

Inclusion Criteria:

• (1) diagnosed with Trisomy 21 through genetic testing, (2) aged 6 to 11 years and (3) able to follow a minimum of two-step instructions. The minimum motor ability of participants with DS was independent locomotion.

Exclusion Criteria:

• (1) medical condition that is contraindicated to moderate to vigorous physical activity such as cardiovascular problems, (2) orthopaedic instability, including those associated with DS (e.g. atlanto-axial instability) and (3) behavioural issues that hindered instruction.