Article

Children with Down's syndrome (DS) often have greater postural sway and delay in
motor development. Muscle weakness and hypotonia, particularly of the lower
extremities, are theorized to impair their overall physical health and ability to
perform daily activities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the
effects of isokinetic training on muscle strength and postural balance in
children with DS. Thirty-one children with DS ranging in age from 9 to 12 years
were assigned randomly into two groups. The control group received the
conventional physical therapy, whereas the study group received the same therapy
as the control group in addition to the isokinetic training 3 days a week for 12
weeks. Measurement of stability indices using the Biodex Stability System as well
as peak torque of knee flexors and extensors of both sides using the isokinetic
dynamometer was performed before and after 12 weeks of the treatment program.
Each group showed significant improvements in postural balance and peak torque of
knee flexors and extensors (P<0.05), with significantly greater improvements
observed in the study group compared with the control group (P<0.05). These
outcomes indicated that participation in the isokinetic training program induced
greater improvements in muscle strength and postural balance in children with DS.

Langue : ANGLAIS