Effectiveness of Core Stability Exercises Versus Task-Oriented Training on Postural Control in Children with Down Syndrome
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Abstract
Background: Children with Down syndrome commonly experience hypotonia, muscle weakness, impaired balance, and delayed postural responses, which may restrict functional mobility and daily participation. Core stability exercises and task-oriented training are frequently used in pediatric rehabilitation, but their comparative effectiveness for postural control remains insufficiently established. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of core stability exercises and task-oriented training on postural control in children with Down syndrome. Methods: This comparative interventional study included 36 children with Down syndrome who were allocated into two equal groups. Group A received core stability exercises, while Group B received task-oriented training. Postural control was assessed using the Pediatric Balance Scale before and after intervention. Within-group changes were analyzed using paired-sample t-tests, and between-group differences were examined using independent-sample t-tests, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvement after treatment. The core stability group improved from 31.22 ± 4.16 to 38.44 ± 4.82, with a mean gain of 7.22 ± 2.11 points, while the task-oriented training group improved from 30.94 ± 4.38 to 42.67 ± 4.21, with a mean gain of 11.73 ± 2.46 points. Between-group improvement favored task-oriented training by 4.51 points, with a large effect size. Conclusion: Both interventions improved postural control, but task-oriented training produced greater short-term gains in functional balance among children with Down syndrome.
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