Background and Aim: Perceptual motor abilities are based on motor functions and conceptual growth. Therefore, regarding the weak perceptual motor abilities in mental retarded children, it will be an effective step in eliminating their learning problems and improving their functional activities at school, at home and in the society. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of instruction of balance exercises along with gross movement exercises on the balance function and gross movement in mental retarded children.

Materials and Methods: Using a simple non-probability sampling method, based on a pilot sample and the sample size formula were considered 10 children in the treatment group and 10 children in the control group. Inclusion criteria include educable children with mental retardation without significant skeletal, neurological and mental illness and the age group is between 4.5 to 14.5 years. Exclusion criteria include uncooperative child and absence of more than one session. Treatment group for 10 weeks, 3 sessions per week for 30-minute exercises; balance training and gross motor was taught. No intervention was done on control group. Then all subjects retested. The effectiveness of the treatment on balance and gross motor function were performed by statistical analysis.

Results: Before treatment, balance and gross motor scores were not significant (P≥0.05) between the intervention and control groups. In the interventional group, gross motor scores were significant (P≤0.05) but balance scores were not significant (P≥0.05). Balance and gross motor scores between pre-and post-intervention in control group were not significant (P≥ 0.05).

Conclusion: Lack of experience in the motor skills resulted poor motor skills in mental retarded children. Therefore, according to the findings of this study, we can provide requirements for gaining motor experiences with planning, targeted training and utilization of effective rehabilitation and occupational therapy.         

Keywords: Balance exercises, Gross exercises, Mental retardation