Conducted as a quasi-experimental study. It involves 22 children aged 6-9 years, recruited from different special education schools, who will participate in supervised balance and weight-shifting exercises for 30-45 minutes, three times a week, over 8 weeks.. Exercises will include seated and standing balance tasks, weight shifting, and all performed on the bubble cushion under supervision. Standardized tools, such as the Pediatric Balance Scale and the Trunk Control Measurement Scale, will be used to assess pre- and post intervention outcomes.
Children with Down syndrome (DS) often face significant challenges related to motor development, particularly in postural control and balance. Poor postural control can lead to difficulties in performing basic motor functions, such as sitting, standing, walking, and engaging in daily activities, ultimately affecting the child's independence and quality of life. Therefore, early and targeted therapeutic interventions are crucial to improve motor outcomes in this population. This study aims to investigate the effect of bubble cushion exercises on postural control in children with Down syndrome. The study will be conducted using a pre-test/post-test experimental design involving 22 children aged 6 to 9years with clinically diagnosed Down syndrome and those who can stand walk and follow instructions. Children who had any history of surgery and those who had visual and hearing impairments will be excluded. Participants will engage in structured bubble cushion exercises for 30 -45 minutes, 3 times a week, over 8 weeks. Exercises will include seated and standing balance tasks, weight shifting, and all performed on the bubble cushion under supervision. Standardized tools, such as the Pediatric Balance Scale and the Trunk Control Measurement Scale, will be used to assess pre- and post intervention outcomes. The study suggests that bubble cushion training is an effective, low-cost intervention for enhancing balance and trunk stability in children with Down syndrome.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Bubble cushion exercises are balance training activities performed on an unstable, air-filled cushion in sitting and standing positions. The unstable surface challenges postural control and activates core muscles, helping improve balance, coordination, proprioception, and trunk stability. Exercises include seated balance tasks, pelvic movements, ball activities, static standing, single-leg stance, reaching, and ball passing, all aimed at enhancing overall postural control in children with Down syndrome.
Children Hospital
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan
peadtric balance scale
The Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) is a 14-item assessment tool used to measure functional balance in children. It evaluates both static and dynamic balance through everyday tasks, with each item scored from 0 to 4 and a maximum score of 56. Higher scores indicate better balance ability. The PBS is a reliable and valid tool commonly used in children with motor impairments, including Down syndrome.
Time frame: pre assessement of balance was done before the intervention and post assessment after 8 weeks of intervention
trunk control measurement scale
The Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS) is a standardized tool used to assess seated trunk control in children. It evaluates static balance, selective movement control, and dynamic reaching. The total score ranges from 0 to 58, with higher scores indicating better trunk control. Each item is scored from 0 to 3 based on performance, and the best of three attempts is recorded. The TCMS is a reliable and valid measure widely used to assess trunk stability and postural control, especially in children with motor impairments.
Time frame: pre assessment of trunk control was done before the intervention and post assessment after 8 weeks
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Enrollment
22