The effect of rhythmic exercise on balance performance in children with mental retardation

Abstract

This study aims to demonstrate the effect of rhythmic exercise on improving static balance in children with mental retardation. The study employed a quantitative method with a pretest-posttest control group design. A total of 12 children with mental retardation, aged 10-12 years, participated in the study. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (CG, n=6) and the rhythmic exercise group (RE, n=6). The rhythmic exercise intervention was conducted with a duration of 20-30 minutes per session, at a light to moderate intensity, three times a week for four weeks. Static balance was measured using the Stork Balance Stand Test, conducted pre-exercise and post-exercise. Data analysis techniques included the paired sample t-test with a significance level of 5%. The results showed the average static balance in the CG and RE between pre-exercise and post-exercise (12.89±1.74 vs 13.16±2.05 seconds, p ≥ 0.05), and (13.24±1.39 vs 21.03±1.62 seconds, p ≤ 0.001). The findings indicate that the rhythmic exercise intervention conducted over four weeks was effective in improving static balance in children with mental retardation.