Inspiratory Muscle Training and Physical Fitness in Children With Down Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on physical fitness in children with Down syndrome (DS). DESIGN: Randomized control trial. SETTING: The study was conducted in a private physical therapy center. PARTICIPANTS: Forty boys and girls with DS aged between 7 and 10 years were enrolled in this study (N=40). They were randomly and equally divided into 2 groups (A and B). INTERVENTIONS: All participants received 30 minutes of aerobic exercise training 3 times per week for 12 weeks, whereas group B received an additional 30 minutes of IMT before each aerobic exercise session. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP); maximal expiratory pressure (MEP); submaximal aerobic endurance; muscular strength; endurance. RESULTS: Among the group undergoing IMT, there were significant improvements in MIP, MEP, and submaximal aerobic endurance using the six-minute walk test (6MWT); strength and endurance using the curl-up, dumbbell press, trunk lift, standing long jump, seated push-up, pull-up, and flexed-arm hang; and back saver sit and reach tests (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Inspiratory muscle training and aerobic exercise training demonstrated more significant improvements in physical fitness than in those children who received only aerobic exercise training.

Effect of Core Stability Exercises and Treadmill Training on Balance in Children with Down Syndrome: Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Core stability exercises and treadmill training play a crucial role in physical therapy interventions and have an effect on balance in children with Down Syndrome (DS); however, whether core stability exercises or treadmill training has more effect on improving balance has not been investigated yet. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of core stability training versus treadmill exercises on balance in children with Down Syndrome. METHODS: Forty-five children aged 4-6 years with Down Syndrome were included in the study. The children were equally divided randomly into three groups. Group A received traditional physical therapy intervention strategies to facilitate the balance of participating children. Group B received the same as group A and additional core stability exercise training. Group C received the same intervention strategies as group A in conjunction with a treadmill exercise program. The children's balance was evaluated using the Berg balance scale and the Biodex Balance System. Treatment sessions were for 60 min, thrice a week, for 8 consecutive weeks. RESULTS: There were significance improvements in the three groups in functional balance and over all stability indices in favor of groups B and C. CONCLUSIONS: Core stability and treadmill training improved balance in children with Down Syndrome and should be applied in conjunction with physical therapy programs.