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

Abstract

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.

• Activities of daily living
• balance
• intellectual disability

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. This work was not supported by any funding sources.