Background and Aim: The aim of this research was to study spinal abnormalities ( kyphosis, lordosis and scoliosis ) and dynamic and static balance in mentally retardation with and without Down syndrome (DS) and relation between them in DS.

Materials and Methods: Thirty mentally retardation with DS (age 13.96 ± 1.77 yr) and 30 mentally retardation without DS (age 14.30±1.96 yr) that selected randomly participated in this study. Modified single balance test for the evaluation static balance and heel-to-toe test for evaluation dynamic balance were used. Continued spinal abnormalities included kyphosis, lordosis and thoracic & lumbar scoliosis were measured by spinal mouse.

Result: The results showed a significant difference between static and dynamic balance, kyphosis and thoracic & lumbar scoliosis in mentally retarded with and without DS . There was a significant relationship between static balance and kyphosis and thoracic and lumbar scoliosis and dynamic balance with kyphosis and thoracic and lumbar scoliosis in DS . There was not a significant relationship between balance and lordosis.

Conclusion: Due to relationship between postural and balance and special needs in mentally retardation particularly Down syndrome, for optimal performance of their daily activities, it should emphasis to recognize the structural profile and prescribe postural corrective programs and improving balance.

Key words : Down syndrome, Spinal deformities, Static balance, Dynamic balance  

Background and Aim: Forward head deformity is one of the most common undesirable situation abnormalities associated with weakness of cervical stabilizer muscles. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a 6-weeks strength training, stretch training and comprehensive training in patients with forward head posture.

Materials and Methods: Forty females students with excessive angle (FH>46 degrees) were chosen as samples using purposive sampling method. Anthropometric data were as below: age 22.22 ± 1.77 years, weight 61.22±1.90 kg, height 161.85±2.55 cm and body mass index of the samples 23.37±0.9 kg/m². The subjects were randomly divided into four groups of 10 experimental and control groups. The first experimental group performed strength training, second group stretch training and third group comprehensive training for 6 weeks. In this period, the control group did not receive any training. In this study photogrammetric method technique was used to measure the angle of the forward head. Head angle changes of the subjects before and after 6 weeks were measured.

Conclusion: The results demonstrated a significant decrease in the angle of forward head in the experimental group. Therefore, using of this program is recommended in subjects with this deformity.

Keywords: Forward head, Corrective exercises.