Sports Participation & Balance in Children with Down Syndrome Alex Piedmonte and Abby Naville Background on Down Syndrome References Sports ParticipationConclusion A genetic disorder attributed to chromosomal abnormality (Trisomy 21) 2 Incidence of 1/660 births 7 Ligament laxity 5 Decreased muscle strength of lower extremity 2 Balance deficits Decreased hand-eye coordination Decreased visual motor control Slower reaction time 6 Lower levels of physical fitness 3 1. Barr M, Shields N. Identifying the barriers and facilitators to participation in physical activity for children with Down syndrome. Journal Of Intellectual Disability Research [serial online]. November 2011;55(11): Available from: CINAHL with Full Text, Ipswich, MA. Accessed November 12, Gupta S, Rao B, SD K. Effect of strength and balance training in children with Down's syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Clinical Rehabilitation [serial online]. May 2011;25(5): Available from: SPORTDiscus with Full Text, Ipswich, MA. Accessed November 12, Li C, Chen S, Meng How Y, Zhang A. Benefits of physical exercise intervention on fitness of individuals with Down syndrome: a systematic review of randomized-controlled trials. International Journal Of Rehabilitation Research. Internationale Zeitschrift Für Rehabilitationsforschung. Revue Internationale De Recherches De Réadaptation [serial online]. September 2013;36(3): Available from: MEDLINE, Ipswich, MA. Accessed November 12, Menear K. Parents' Perceptions of Health and Physical Activity Needs of Children with Down Syndrome. Down Syndrome Research And Practice [serial online]. July 1, 2007;12(1): Available from: ERIC, Ipswich, MA. Accessed November 12, Murphy N, Carbone P. Promoting the Participation of Children With Disabilities in Sports, Recreation, and Physical Activities. Pediatrics [serial online]. May 2008;121(5): Available from: Academic Search Premier, Ipswich, MA. Accessed November 12, Tsimaras V, Fotiadou E. Effect of training on the muscle strength and dynamic balance ability of adults with Down syndrome. Journal Of Strength & Conditioning Research (Allen Press Publishing Services Inc.) [serial online]. May 2004;18(2): Available from: SPORTDiscus with Full Text, Ipswich, MA. Accessed November 12, Winell J, Burke S. Sports participation of children with Down syndrome. Orthopedic Clinics Of North America [serial online]. July 2003;34(3): Available from: CINAHL, Ipswich, MA. Accessed November 12, Balance Balance can be improved with a balance specific training program. Gupta et al found a balance specific training over a six week period led to overall improved balance and LE strength. Tsimaras et al showed after a twelve week training program, dymanic balance was improved compared to the physically inactive lifestyle that children with DS are prone to. Activities that were used for balance training in the two studies mentioned include: 2,6 –Horizontal and vertical jumps –Single and double leg hop –Single Leg Stance with eyes open –Tandem stance –Walking on a line –Walking on a balance beam –Jumping on a trampoline Beneficial effects of sports in children with DS include improvements in.5,7 : – Stamina – Muscle strength – Endurance – Speed, –Agility, –Flexibility –Balance –Decrease deconditioning According to Menear, parents of children with DS reported their child would always choose a sedentary activity over a physical activity. Parents believe that programs specifically catered for children with DS facilitate participation 1 Participants in Special Olympics showed higher aerobic capacity, strength, and power 4 Sports provide an opportunity for imitation and social interaction. 5 There is a lack of accessibility to community-based programs that are appropriate for children with DS. 4 Sports participation in children with DS is a good way to facilitate physical activity which will improve balance The best sports to improve balance in children with DS would include repetitive balance activities Suggested sports: soccer, gymnastics, swimming, and track Avoid high contact sports such as football and diving Future studies should analyze specific outcomes such as balance improvement as it is related directly to sports participation. Sports is a good long term maintenance activity to improve quality of life and decrease dependence. 0caa7c6a6ac3&sponsor=