The influence of 15-weeks climbing program on the static and dynamic balance of young adults with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of climbing on static and dynamic balance and to determine the usefulness of such training in supporting the fitness of young adults with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities. METHOD: The study involved 47 men and 21 women aged 18-25 years. The experimental group participated in classes on an artificial climbing wall for 15 weeks. At that time, the control group did not participate in any organised sports activities. The balance was assessed twice using tests: a bench walk, a functional reach, a single leg stance with the eyes open and closed, and a BTS P-WALK baroresistive platform. RESULTS: In the experimental group there were improvements in functional reach test by 7.79 cm (p < .001), balance walk test by 0.47 pts (p = .003), improvements in frontal and sagittal plane stability, and tilting area in the closed eyes test. The changes that were observed in the control group were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Climbing activities can be part of a rehabilitation program to improve balance.

Selected hallmarks of hallux valgus in older women with symptomatic hallux valgus compared to middle-aged women with and without deformation of the forefoot.

The aim of the study was to compare the shape of the feet, the mobility of the metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints and the flexibility of the calf muscles in older women with hallux valgus versus middle-aged women with and without this deformation to identify the presence of features which correlate particularly strongly with hallux valgus, and on which prophylaxis and conservative treatment should focus. The study involved 201 women: 92 aged 60-84 years with hallux valgus of both toes, 78 aged 38-59 with hallux valgus of both toes, and 31 aged 38-57 years with correctly shaped feet. The intensity of pain in the foot, the valgus angle of the big toe and fifth toe, the longitudinal and transverse arches of the foot, the symmetry of foot load with body weight, toe joint mobility and muscle flexibility were analysed. Both groups of women with hallux valgus differed from women with normal feet in the height of the transverse arch, the extent of dorsal extension in the first metatarsophalangeal joint and plantar flexion in the first interphalangeal joint. Older women were additionally characterised by reduced plantar flexion in the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe, limited flexibility of the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles as well as less pain in the toe area than in the foot itself. The most characteristic changes which were observed in older women with hallux valgus are a limited range of motion in the MTP and IP joints of the big toe, a reduced transverse arch and increased restriction of calf muscle flexibility.

The Scores and Manner of Performing the Stand and Reach Test in Girls and Boys of Different Body Weight.

INTRODUCTION: Flexibility is one of the components of Health-Related Fitness. The range of flexion has been the participant of numerous publications, but research into the quality of flexibility is lacking. The aim of the study has been to compare the scores and the quality of the stand and reach test in both overweight girls and boys and girls and boys with normal body weight. We have checked whether the forward bend movement is symmetrically distributed over the hip joints and the lumbar and thoracic spine and how it influences the position of the knee and ankle joints. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 100 girls and 100 boys aged 10-14 years were examined. Flexibility was measured using the stand and reach test. The quality of the bend was assessed by examining the range of movement in individual body segments: the range of flexion of the thoracic and lumbar spine (linear measurements), the range of flexion of the hip joint, and the position of the knee and ankle joints at maximum flexion (angular measurements). The results were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: The participants, especially boys, had poor flexibility. A poor stand and reach test result correlated with a lower range of flexion of the thoracic and lumbar spine, greater flexion of the hip and knee joints, and greater plantar flexion at maximum torso bend position. Although the mean stand and reach score was slightly greater for the girls, gender did not significantly differentiate the way in which the stand and reach test was performed. Being overweight also did not affect the quantity or quality of the stand and reach test. CONCLUSIONS: Limitation of flexibility is common in 10-14-year-old children and results mainly from limited mobility of the spine. The compensation for this is excessive movement in the joints of the lower extremities.

The influence of myofascial release on pain and selected indicators of flat foot in adults: a controlled randomized trial.

Flat foot pain is a common complaint that requires therapeutic intervention. Currently, myofascial release techniques are often used in the therapy of musculoskeletal disorders. A group of 60 people suffering from flat feet with associated pain. Patients were assigned to four groups (15 people each): MF-myofascial release, E-the exercise program, MFE-myofascial release and the exercise program, C-no intervention. The rehabilitation program lasted 4 weeks. The NRS scale was used to examine pain intensity and FreeMed ground reaction force platform was used to examine selected static and dynamic foot indicators. Statistically significant pain reduction was obtained in all research. A static test of foot load distribution produced statistically significant changes only for selected indicators. In the dynamic test, statistically significant changes were observed for selected indicators, only in the groups subjected to therapeutic intervention. Most such changes were observed in the MF group. In the dynamic test which assessed the support phase of the foot, statistically significant changes were observed only for selected subphases. Most such changes were observed in the MFE group. Both exercise and exercise combined with myofascial release techniques, and especially myofascial release techniques alone, significantly reduce pain in a flat foot. This study shows a limited influence of both exercises and myofascial release techniques on selected static and dynamic indicators of a flat foot.

Impact of Cervical Spine Rehabilitation on Temporomandibular Joint Functioning in Patients with Idiopathic Neck Pain.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a 3-week rehabilitation programme focusing only on the cervical region, pain intensity, range of motion in the cervical spine, head posture, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) functioning in subjects with idiopathic neck pain who did not report TMJ pain. DESIGN: A parallel group trial with follow-up. METHODS: The study included 60 participants divided into 2 groups: experimental: n = 25, 27-57 years old, experiencing idiopathic neck pain and who underwent a 3-week rehabilitation programme, and the control, n = 35, 27-47 years, who were cervical pain-free. At baseline and after 3 weeks of treatment in the experimental group and with a 3-week time interval in the control group, pain intensity, head posture in the sagittal plane, range of motion in the cervical spine, and TMJ functioning were evaluated. RESULTS: After 3 weeks of rehabilitation, there was a significant decrease in pain intensity, improved range of motion of the cervical spine and head posture, and improved clinical condition of TMJ in participants with idiopathic neck pain who did not report TMJ pain. CONCLUSION: The study suggested that idiopathic neck pain is associated with limited range of motion in the cervical spine, incorrect head posture, and TMJ dysfunction. Our data suggests that therapy focusing only on the cervical region may improve the clinical condition of the TMJ in subjects with idiopathic neck pain who do not report TMJ pain. These observations could be helpful in physiotherapeutic treatment of neck and craniofacial area dysfunctions. This trial is registered with ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN14511735.

The relationship between the position of the spine in the sagittal plane and longitudinal arching of the feet in school-age girls and boys - cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Discoveries concerning the role of connective tissue and myofascial chains require a change in thinking about the functioning of the human body and verification of the approach to correcting posture defects. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the shape of the spine in the sagittal plane and longitudinal arching of the feet. Material and methods: 271 girls and 241 boys aged 10-12 years were examined. Height and body weight were measured. The BMI was calculated and the status of body weight was estimated. The depth of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis as well as the sagittal trunk inclination were assessed using the Zebris Pointer ultrasound system. Arching of the feet was determined on the basis of the Arch Index on BTS P-walk platform. Statistica v13 software was used to analyse the data. Results: Both sexes showed a tendency to have deeper thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis. About 15% of the participants had flatfeet. Hollow and correct arching of the feet was observed with a similar frequency (38-43%). Hollow feet arching was accompanied by shallower lumbar lordosis and a shift of the body's general centre of gravity backwards. The participants with flat foot arching tend to have deeper lumbar lordosis. A greater depth of physiological curvatures of the spine and lower longitudinal arching of the feet were observed in boys. BMI was positively correlated with decreased arching of the feet and deepened lumbar lordosis. Conclusions: Longitudinal arching of the feet significantly correlates with the depth of lumbar lordosis and trunk balance.

The Influence of the Physiotherapeutic Program on Selected Static and Dynamic Foot Indicators and the Balance of Elderly Women Depending on the Ground Stability.

Seniors are a constantly growing group of people in many societies. It is necessary to develop physiotherapeutic programs to improve their mobility. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the physiotherapeutic program conducted unstable ground on selected indicators of motor functions of elderly women. Sixty women (60-80 years) participated in the research. Group A (N = 20) underwent a 12-week physiotherapeutic program on stable ground, group B (N = 20) followed an exercise program on unstable ground, and group C (N = 20) (control group) had no therapeutic intervention. The effects of the therapy were assessed by using a FreeMed platform (foot load analysis) and a Biosway balance system. The results were compared using ANOVA (the one-way analysis), the Kruskal-Wallis test and also the post hoc tests (Tukey's test and the multiple comparison test). In group A, a statistically significant change was observed in the static test and balance assessment, in group B this was observed in the static and dynamic foot tests and balance assessment, in group C, no statistical significance was achieved. The authors' physiotherapeutic program had a statistically significant effect on changes in the balance and selected indicators of the motor functions of the examined people. Comparing the results before and after the therapy more improvement changes were noted in women training on an unstable ground compared to women training on a stable ground.

Effect of Three Months Pilates Training on Balance and Fall Risk in Older Women.

This study assessed the effect of Pilates exercises on balance and fall risk in older women. Participants comprised 50 older women aged over 60 years, divided randomly into two groups: the experimental group (n = 30), which took part in Pilates sessions two times per week for three months, and the control group (n = 20). The control group did not participate in such sessions but also did not participate in any other rehabilitation programs or additional physical activity except everyday activities. Before and after the training cycle, all women underwent an assessment using Timed Up and Go (TUG), the One Leg Stance Test (OLST), a test performed on a Freestep baropodometric platform, and the tests performed on a Biosway platform. After the training, significantly decreased values of the surface of the ellipse (p = 0.0037) and mean values of velocity (p = 0.0262) for the right foot in the experimental group were observed. The Limits of Stability (LoS) test (p = 0.005) and the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (m-CTSIB) performed on an unstable surface with eyes closed (p = 0.0409) indicated statistically significant changes in the experimental group. None of the above changes were statistically significant in relation to the control group. Pilates training affected the participants' balance by improving LOS and reducing fall risk.

Relationship between frontal knee position and the degree of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis among 10-12-year-old children with normal body weight.

INTRODUCTION: Incorrect positioning of the body in space increases the tension of the myofascial tissue and overloads the skeleton. It is important to look for factors that affect the deterioration of body posture that could be eliminated. Understanding the interrelationship between the positioning of individual body segments should be the key knowledge for those involved in the prevention and correction of faulty body posture. The study aimed to determine the relationship between the degree of physiological curvatures of the spine and the incidence of incorrect knee position. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 685 children aged 10-12. Body height, weight and BMI were measured and calculated. The degree of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis was assessed using the Zebris Pointer ultrasound system. Valgus and varus knees were diagnosed in an upright position based on the intermalleolar distance with knees together, and intercondylar distance with the feet placed together. The statistical analysis uses descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U test (comparison of girls and boys), the Kruskal-Wallis test, the Tukey's post hoc test (comparison of variables in participants with correct, varus and valgus knees) and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (the relationship between the position of the spine and knees). RESULTS: The examined girls were heavier than the boys and had higher BMI. Spine deformities and incorrect knee position are common among 10-12-year-old children. The girls and boys differed significantly in the spine shape in the sagittal plane and the intermalleolar distance. Round lumbar lordosis is more characteristic for girls, and for boys, round thoracic kyphosis. For both genders, valgus knees occur more often than varus knees and coexist with decreased thoracic kyphosis. The rounder the thoracic kyphosis, the greater distance between the knees and the smaller distance between ankles. CONCLUSIONS: The frontal knee position significantly correlated with the depth of thoracic kyphosis.

The association between high-arched feet, plantar pressure distribution and body posture in young women.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of excessive feet arching (symmetrical and asymmetrical) on plantar pressure distribution and on the alignment of pelvis, spine and shoulder girdle. Eighty-one women (20-40 years old, 61 +/- 12 kg, 165 +/- 5 cm) were divided into 3 groups based on the foot arch index (Group 1 - with normally arched feet, Group 2 with one foot properly arched and the other high-arched, Group 3 with both feet high-arched). Plantar pressure distribution between the right and left foot for the forefoot, midfoot and rearfoot, respectively and body posture were assessed. A slight increase in longitudinal arch of the foot caused changes in the distribution of feet loads both between limbs and between the forefoot and rearfoot and also influenced the whole body. Asymmetrical high-arching of the feet resulted in asymmetry of lower limb load and in the height of the shoulder girdle. We have suggested that any alteration of the foot arch may be harmful to body tissues and should not be considered as correct. Due to the fact that slight increases in longitudinal arch of the foot are very common, they should be considered as a foot defect, and appropriate corrective exercises should be used to prevent forefoot overload and alterations in body posture.

Does Excessive Body Weight Change the Shape of the Spine in Children?

Background: Excessive body weight is a lifestyle issue, which is commonly found in children in many countries worldwide, and has enormous medical implications. This study aimed to determine the effect of overweight and obesity on the shape of the spine in children. Materials and Methods: A total of 910 children 10-12 years of age participated in this study. Their height, weight, and fat tissue content were measured. Their BMI was calculated, and their body weight status was categorized. The shape of the spinal curvature was assessed using an ultrasound Zebris Pointer system. The following parameters were used for the assessment: the shape of the thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis, the sagittal trunk inclination, and alignment of the spine in the frontal plane. Results: An overweight or obesity was found in 23.7% of participants. The thoracic kyphosis was similar in children with a normal and an excessive weight. The BMI and body fat correlated statistically significantly with the shape of lumbar lordosis as well as with the tilt of the long axis of the body. The results revealed that overweight or obesity did not have any effect on the lateral bending of the spine. Conclusions: Excessive body weight was found to increase the risk for developing the lumbar hyperlordosis and cause posterior axial tilt. Therefore, overweight and obese children should participate in gymnastic classes that can help correct faulty posture. Special attention should be paid to correct the position of the lower part of the trunk.

Foot longitudinal arches in obese, overweight and normal weight females who differ in age.

Nowadays, excessive body weight is the cause of death of more people than malnutrition. Obesity is a growing health problem worldwide, which also results in a considerable number of movement dysfunctions, including degenerative changes and foot pain. The study aimed to assess the effect of overweight and obesity on the height of foot arches in females aged 10-84 years, as well as to establish which factor - age or BMI - affected the height of medial longitudinal arch (MLA) to a greater extent. Three groups of females (96 pupils, 86 young adults and 88 seniors) were selected to participate in the study. The participants' height and weight were measured, their BMI calculated and their body weight status categorized as normal weight, overweight or obesity. The height of foot arches was assessed using the Arch Index (AI). According to the value of the AI, the foot was defined as high-arched, normal or flat. Differences in participants' AI were determined in their age and weight status groups. Correlations between BMI and AI were calculated for the whole study sample and age groups. The analysis used the Shapiro-Wilk test, the Kruskal-Wallis test and Pearson's linear correlation. Overweight or obesity prevailed in 31% of pupils, 4.7% of young adults and in 77% of seniors. Pupils and young adults had often the high-arched foot. Flat feet were mostly observed in seniors and were common in obese individuals. BMI significantly correlated with the height of the foot arch but their age did not. Excessive body weight contributes to the development of flat feet to a greater extent than age.

Correlations Among Foot Arching, Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion, and Obesity Level in Primary School Children.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to assess the prevalence of flat feet in primary school children and to find correlations among arch height, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), and obesity level. METHODS: The 400 children aged 10 to 12 years who took part in the study had their body height, weight, and fat percentage measured. Based on these measurements, body mass index was calculated and weight status was categorized for all of the participants. The height of the longitudinal arch of the foot was measured on a computerized podoscope and given in Clarke's angles. Dorsiflexion ROM was assessed with the child in the nonweightbearing sitting position with the knees 90° flexed. The arithmetic mean and standard deviation were implemented to analyze the data. Intergroup differences were assessed by Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and post hoc Tukey tests. Significance was accepted at P = .05. RESULTS: Flat feet were found in 36% of participants; limited ROM was found in both feet in 25% of participants and in one foot in 12%. No significant differences in dorsiflexion ROM in children with high-arched, normal, and flat feet were revealed. Excessive body weight was disclosed in 21% of participants. Overweight and obese children had significantly lower foot arches and notably smaller ankle dorsiflexion ROM than those with normal weight. CONCLUSIONS: Ankle dorsiflexion ROM is similar in children with high-arched, normal, and flat feet. However, limited dorsiflexion ROM is more often found in children with excessive weight.

High-Normal Arterial Blood Pressure in Children With Excess Body Weight.

BACKGROUND: Childhood overweight and obesity are common causes of metabolic disorders that persist until adulthood. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of high-normal arterial blood pressure (ABP) in children with excess body weight. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 1,093 schoolchildren aged 10 - 12 years (51% girls and 49% boys) participated in the study. The children's weight, height, body fat percentage (BFP), waist and hip circumference, and ABP were measured. The waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and body mass index (BMI) were calculated and compared to the normative reference values accepted by the International obesity task force (IOTF). RESULTS: Excess weight was identified in 20% of the participants, and obesity in 5%. A total of 35.5% of overweight children had above-normal ABP, which implied hypertension. In obese children, that proportion equaled 59.3%. BFP was 6.5% greater in children with hypertension than in those with normal BP. The children with hypertension also had a 7.6-cm larger waist circumference, a 7.6-cm larger hip circumference, and a greater WHtR (by 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Excess body weight was identified in 25% of children aged 10 - 12 years, significantly increasing their risk of developing hypertension.

Physical fitness of overweight and underweight preschool children from southern Poland.

SUMMARY: The main aim of this study was to assess differences in the level of physical fitness between children of preschool age with different BMI, as overweight and obesity are an increasing problem even in this age group. The study group consisted of 3,945 children aged 4 to 6 years living in southern Poland. Analysis included the results of body height and weight measurements (from which BMI was calculated) and motor skills tests: sit-and-reach test, standing broad jump and handgrip strength. Children were grouped according to the Obesity Task Force categories. Significant differences in body height were visible (i) between overweight and normal children and (ii) between overweight and underweight children. In terms of body weight and BMI, significant differences existed between all groups. With regard to fitness tests, the greatest differences were observed for handgrip strength and standing broad jump. The sit-and-reach test did not reveal any differences between the groups. The results showed that overall physical fitness was negatively correlated with relative weight; general fitness in overweight children was lower than in normal or underweight children. As it is obvious that physical activity is indispensable even for preschool children, any increase in physical activity could at least partially alleviate the problem of excessive weight and improve the general fitness of children. In the future this would reduce the incidence of diseases related to obesity and a lack of exercise.

Genu Valgum and Flat Feet in Children With Healthy and Excessive Body Weight.

PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between obesity, genu valgum, and flat feet in children, and find practical implications for therapeutic interventions. METHODS: A total of 1364 children aged 3-7 years took part in the research. Their body mass index was calculated and their weight status described. Participants' knee alignment was assessed by measuring the intermalleolar distance in the standing position with the knees in contact. The height of the longitudinal arch of each foot was measured using Clarke's angle. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight and obesity increased with age. Reduction of intermalleolar distance and increased longitudinal arch of the foot, characteristic of typical growth and development, were observed. Genu valgum was more common in children who were overweight. Significant correlations among body mass index, intermalleolar distance, and Clarke's angle (P < .05) were also discovered. CONCLUSION: Children who are overweight or demonstrate obesity are more likely to develop genu valgum and flat feet.

Effect of excessive body weight on foot arch changes in preschoolers a 2-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: A stable standing posture, and effective and aesthetic gait, depend heavily on correct anatomical construction of the feet, thanks to which they can play their important role. The shape and height of the foot arches are already formed in the preschool and early school years; therefore, abnormalities and disorders in children's feet, and correlations between foot formation and somatic build, are still crucial and interesting issues for orthopedists, pediatricians, physiotherapists, and podiatrists. This study deals with changes in the height of the longitudinal and transverse arches of the foot in 4- to 6-year-old children. METHODS: A total of 102 boys and 105 girls took part in a 24-month study in which their body weight, height, body mass index, and Clarke's and gamma angles were measured. The analysis also focused on correlations among sex, nutritional status, and changes in foot arch height. RESULTS: It was discovered that sex did not considerably affect Clarke's and gamma angle values. However, it was found that between ages 4 and 6 years, the proportion of overweight and obese boys and girls increased, and the medial longitudinal arch of the foot had a tendency to collapse in those with excessive body weight. The effect of nutritional status on the transverse arch of the foot is rather dubious. CONCLUSIONS: In light of these findings, therapeutic programs for preventing foot deformities in children should also focus on body weight control.

Arch of the foot and postural balance in young judokas and peers.

Twenty-nine male judocas and nontraining peers participated in this study. The arch of the foot (as Clarke's angular values) was measured under non-weight-bearing conditions in two-leg and one-leg stands. Postural balance was assessed by the Flamingo balance test. Judocas presented better static balance and higher arches of the foot. Significant differences in Clarke's angular values in a sitting and standing on two-leg position were found in both groups. After transition to a one-leg stand, the height of the arches of the foot in nontraining participants was still significantly decreased. Weight bearing did not affect Clarke's angular values in judokas. A correlation was found between the Flamingo test and Clarke's angle. Better balance was observed in adolescents with higher arch of the foot.

Does extending the dual-task functional exercises workout improve postural balance in individuals with ID?

Maintaining postural balance, overcoming visual and motor coordination disorders and experiencing problems with low general fitness - typical of intellectually disabled individuals - adversely affect the performance quality of their activities of daily living (ADLs). Physical fitness and postural balance can be improved by taking part in special intervention programs. Our study was designed to test whether extending the dual-task intervention program (combining ADLs with balance exercises on unstable surfaces) from 12 to 24 weeks additionally improved postural balance in individuals with intellectual disability (ID). We also attempted to assess whether the effects of the above intervention program were still noticeable after 8 weeks of holidays, in which participants did not take any rehabilitation exercises. A total of 34 adolescents, aged 14-16 years (15.06±0.9), with moderate ID took part in our study. The experimental group (E) consisted of 17 individuals, who continued the intervention program originated 3 months earlier, and the control group (C) comprised the same number of participants. Postural balance was assessed on a stabilometric platform Alfa. Having extended the workout period by another 12 weeks, we noticed that the path length of the center of pressure (COP) covered by participants on tests with their eyes open and closed significantly shortened. After a lapse of 8 weeks from the completion of the program, the experimental group revealed a statistically significant decrease in the velocity along the medio-lateral (M/L) and anterior-posterior (A/P) axes. The remaining variables stayed at the same level and the control group did not demonstrate any statistically significant changes. Dual-task exercises, in which enhancing functional tasks of daily living is combined with a parallel stimulation of balance reactions, may improve static balance in persons with ID.

The effect of dual-task functional exercises on postural balance in adolescents with intellectual disability - a preliminary report.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an original intervention programme of unstable surface dual-task functional exercises on postural stability in adolescents with intellectual disability (ID). METHODS: A total of 34 adolescents with ID, aged 14-16 years, were engaged in our study. A 17-person experimental group (E) took part in a 12-week intervention programme which consisted of unstable surface functional exercises, designed after activities of daily living (ADLs). Another group of 17 youngsters constituted a control group (C). Within a span of 12 weeks, the postural stability assessment was conducted twice in both groups, employing a stabilometric platform ALFA AC International East. RESULTS: After taking part in the intervention programme, the experimental group (E) improved all their scores (p < 0.05). The path length of the COG and the time in which the dynamic test was performed were shorter in the experimental group (E), while the control group (C) scored worse in comparison with their initial results. CONCLUSIONS: A distinctly positive effect of unstable-surface dual-task functional exercises on postural stability in individuals with ID was also revealed in our tests. Implications for Rehabilitation Rehabilitation of intellectually disabled persons should be carried out individually and contain ADL-based exercises. The use of unstable surfaces, making the above training more difficult, naturally stimulates the trainee to focus more closely on the task being performed. Implementation of dual-task exercises, consisting in compiling functional tasks with balance training, in the intervention programme for adolescents with ID is likely to improve efficiency of their everyday living and the quality of their lives.