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Background and Aim: Rehabilitation interventions have significant role in reducing the disabilities of Down syndrome. Due to great role of balance in the function of individuals particularly in Activity of Daily Living and the effect of strength on balance, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Progressive Resistive Exercise on functional balance in children with Down syndrome.
Material and Methods: Fifteen girls children aged between 8 and 12 years, with Down syndrome participated in this study by available sampling method. The subjects participated three times per week in a six-week progressive strengthening program. During intervention, 3 of them excluded. Balance were measured by Berg Balance Scale and right/left hip abductor and flexor, knee extensor and flexor muscles isometric strengths were measured by Nickolas hand-held dynamometer. Paired-sampled T-Test was used for data analysis.
Results: The results of this study showed that the mean of functional balance and muscles isometric strengths were significantly increased after intervention (P<0.001).
Conclusion: It seems that the results of this study confirm the effect of progressive resistance training on progressing functional balance, and 8-12 years old children with Down syndrome can benefit from these exercises.

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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