Effects Of A Dance Movement Therapy Program On Strength, Coordination And Balance In Adults With Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: People with intellectual disability (ID) have reduced balance ability, coordination and strength compared to people without ID. Motor impairments in people with ID are common, as ID affects cognitive and motor function. It is unknown if a Dance Movement Therapy Program (DMTP) can improve these variables. PURPOSE: To compare coordination, balance and strength among adults with mild to moderate ID after a DMTP. METHODS: 50 subjects with ID were assigned to two groups: a DMTP group (n=25; age 47 ± 10 y) and a control group (n=25; CG; age 46 ± 12 y). The DMTP included cognitive, coordination, strength and balance exercises, performed 2 times/wk, 1 h, during 13 wks; meanwhile the CG continued with daily life activities and did not participate in the DMTP. The single leg stand test (SLST) with open eyes to assess balance, and the timed up and go test (TUGT) to assess dynamic balance and gait speed were used. Total travel distance (TTD), mean middle-lateral (MLD) and mean anterior-posterior (APD) displacements, radial area (RA) and mean velocity sway (MVS) of the center of pressure (COP) were measured with a pressure platform during 52sec at 100Hz. Handgrip (HG) and isometric leg strength were also obtained. RESULTS: ANOVA showed a significant group x time interaction for HG (p = .003), SLST (p = .042), COP RA (p = .022) and COP MLD (p =.047), in that the DMTP group improved, except in the COP MLD, with no changes in the CG. Post hoc paired t-tests revealed a statistical significant improvement in all variables of the DMTP group, except in leg strength, and COP MLD. CONCLUSIONS: A DMTP improved strength, balance and coordination in people with ID. Thus, DMTPs can be used as an intervention to improve physical function, and to decrease falls and injuries in persons with ID. Partially supported by: MEC (Ref: DEP2012-35335)Table: No title available.