Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of gymnastics training combined with music on balance, loco-motor level and coordination in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and down syndrome (DS). This randomized, controlled experimental trial included 30 children (15 children with DS, 15 children with ASD) aged 8 to 14 years. The children were separated into 2 groups, as Group 1 in which ASD and Group 2 in which DS treated gymnastics training with music for 16 weeks, 2 days a week, 1.5-2 hours. Flamingo balance test, functional reach test, Wall Catch coordination test and flexibility test were used to evaluate balance, dynamic balance, loco-motor level and coordination, flexibility, respectively. All groups were evaluated before training and at the end of 16 weeks. When the pre-training and post-training parameters were compared between the groups, a increase was determined in the parameters of balance, loco-motor level and coordination, flexibility in Group1. This increase was statistically greater in Group 1. Statistically significant difference was determined in Group 2 with respect to functional reach test, sit and reach test values. No statistically significant difference was determined in Group 2 in respect of Flamingo and Wall Catch coordination tests. As a result; gymnastics training combined with music were found to be effective in increase balance score, improving loco-motor level, coordination, flexibility in children with DS and ASD. The results of this study can be considered to provide important contributions to the understanding and treatment of children with autism and down syndrome.
Highlights
The autism spectrum (AS) is defined as a “developmental disorder” with unconscious behaviour such as ekolalia (Kırcaali-İftar, 2005).Down syndrome (DS) results from trisomy of chromosome 21 and is connected with a number of deleterious phenotypes, including mental retardation, learning disability, the balance and coordination problems, restriction of motor skills, heart defects and childhood leukaemia, as well as abnormal craniofacial abnormalities, hypotonia and cognitive impairment (Kuzucu, Vidinlisan, Kibar, Ekici, Alpan, & Çakır, 2008)
According to the final test results of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and down syndrome (DS); Statistically significant differences were observed in flamingo, functional reach test, Wall Catch coordination test, and Sit and reach test values in the groups (p
Significant differences were observed in diagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder in respect of flamingo, functional reach test, Wall Catch coordination test, and Sit and reach test values in the pre-test and post-test comparisons (p
Summary
Down syndrome (DS) results from trisomy of chromosome 21 and is connected with a number of deleterious phenotypes, including mental retardation, learning disability, the balance and coordination problems, restriction of motor skills, heart defects and childhood leukaemia, as well as abnormal craniofacial abnormalities, hypotonia and cognitive impairment (Kuzucu, Vidinlisan, Kibar, Ekici, Alpan, & Çakır, 2008). The treatment of autism and down syndrome usually includes physical activity which is important in improving motoric performance in children with disabilities (Chıvu, 2015). Physical activities include human activities of systematic and conscious practice of the physical exercise, as well as improving the physical development, improving motor capacity, motor skills (Bruininks & Chavat, 1990). Physical therapy programs increase flexibility and range of motion, improving muscle strength, postural control, balance and coordination system, fine and gross motor skills, brain plastisty and aerobic capacity (Ilınca, Rosulescu, Cosma, & Rusu, 2015)
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