Effect of Backward Walking Training on Improves Postural Stability in Children with Down syndrome

Abstract

<strong><em>Background</em></strong> <br/>Motor intervention plays an important role in reducing the disabilities of Down syndrome (DS). A lack of balance and postural control has created motor problems in DS patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of backward walking on postural stability of DS patients. <br/><strong><em>Materials and Methods</em></strong> <br/>Sixteen DS children with 8-10 age range were selected by convenience sampling method and assigned to control and experimental groups. The experimental group performed backward walking training for 8 weeks (2 sessions per week, each session for 25 min). The dynamic postural stability of both groups was examined by Biodex stability system (general balance, medial collateral and anterior-posterior balance indexes) before, during and after the training (pretest, 4^th week, 8^th week and 18^th week). To analyze the data and test the hypotheses, independent t test was used. <br/><strong><em>Results</em></strong> <br/>The results of this study showed that the three balance indexes in the experimental group was drastically lower than the control group after 8 weeks of backward walking training (P˂0.01). In addition, significant differences could be observed in balance indexes even 10 weeks after the last session of the backward walking training (P˂0.05). <br/><strong><em>Conclusion</em></strong> <br/>It seems that the findings of this study have confirmed the effect of backward walking training on the improvement of postural stability and Syndrome children with 8-10 age range can benefit from this method.