Effects of powerball on grip strength in children with developmental delay

Abstract

Objective: Developmental delay refers to the child who attain milestones in a slower time as compared to normal. Compromised grip strength is one of the common issue in these children which restricts them to perform their daily tasks while improvement in body functions, position of elbow and muscle strength can improve the manual dexterity, grip strength and fine motor skills which will help them to perform the daily activities of life. So the study aimed to determine the effects of Powerball on grip strength in children with developmental delay. Methods: Twenty six children with age 7 to 12 years with developmental delay assigned into two groups. Group A received isometric hand grip training exercises while group B received Powerball exercises along with isometrics. 3 sessions per week and total 12 sessions were given and evaluation of grip strength was measured by using hand held dynamometer and ABIL-HAND kids tool. Results: The mean age of children was 10.08 ± 1.49 years while 23.1% (6) children were of age 9 and 12 years each, while there were 61.5% (16) boys and 38.5% (10) girls.