Abstract
2/2017
vol. 33
Original paper
Dual-task functional exercises as an effective way to improve dynamic balance in persons with intellectual disability – continuation of the project
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of Physical Education, Krakow, Poland
- Institute of Health Sciences, State Higher Vocational School, Tarnow, Poland
Medical Studies/Studia Medyczne 2017; 33 (2): 102–109
Online publish date: 2017/06/30
Introduction: Balance disorders are common in people with intellectual disability (ID).
Aim of the research: The continuation of the project is aimed at finding out whether extension of the unstable surface dual-task functional exercises programme by another 12 weeks affects the level of dynamic balance in adolescents with ID and what those changes are like after the 8-week summer holidays.
Material and methods: A total of 17 adolescents with ID aged 14–16 years (E) performed functional exercises for another
12 weeks on unstable surfaces, and a group of 17 individuals with ID were the controls. Dynamic balance was assessed three times: after the first stage of the programme (test 2), after another 12 weeks (test 3), after the 8-week holiday (test 4). ALFA AC An International East stabilometric platform was used for measurements.
Results: No statistical differences were discovered in group E, in dynamic balance assessment between test 2 and 3; however, the mean scores in group E, in test 3, were slightly better than in test 2, and notably better than in group C. No significant differences between test 3 and 4 were found in group E either.
Conclusions: Extension of the intervention program helped to maintain improved dynamic balance. Discontinuation of the program for the period of 8 weeks resulted in decreased level of balance; however, it was still higher than at the beginning of the project. Dual-task functional exercises based on activities of daily living (ADLs) and stimulation of righting reactions may enhance dynamic balance in individuals with ID, but it should be constantly stimulated.
Aim of the research: The continuation of the project is aimed at finding out whether extension of the unstable surface dual-task functional exercises programme by another 12 weeks affects the level of dynamic balance in adolescents with ID and what those changes are like after the 8-week summer holidays.
Material and methods: A total of 17 adolescents with ID aged 14–16 years (E) performed functional exercises for another
12 weeks on unstable surfaces, and a group of 17 individuals with ID were the controls. Dynamic balance was assessed three times: after the first stage of the programme (test 2), after another 12 weeks (test 3), after the 8-week holiday (test 4). ALFA AC An International East stabilometric platform was used for measurements.
Results: No statistical differences were discovered in group E, in dynamic balance assessment between test 2 and 3; however, the mean scores in group E, in test 3, were slightly better than in test 2, and notably better than in group C. No significant differences between test 3 and 4 were found in group E either.
Conclusions: Extension of the intervention program helped to maintain improved dynamic balance. Discontinuation of the program for the period of 8 weeks resulted in decreased level of balance; however, it was still higher than at the beginning of the project. Dual-task functional exercises based on activities of daily living (ADLs) and stimulation of righting reactions may enhance dynamic balance in individuals with ID, but it should be constantly stimulated.
Keywords
intellectual disability, dual task exercises, dynamic balance
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