The effects of a balance exercise program for enhancement of gait function on temporal and spatial gait parameters in young people with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

[Purpose] The aim of the study was to assess the effect of an 8-week balance exercise program for enhancement of gait function on temporal and spatial parameters of school aged children with intellectual disabilities. [Subjects] Forty young people with intellectual disabilities were assigned either to the balance exercise program for enhancement of gait function group (BG group, n=19) or the control group (n=21). [Methods] The BG group attended an 8-week balance exercise program for enhancement of gait function consisting of two sessions a week. Gait was assessed using temporal and spatial parameters. [Results] The balance exercise program resulted in significant improvements in participant performance in temporal and spatial parameters. [Conclusion] A balance exercise program for enhancement of gait function can be an effective intervention for improving functional outcomes and can be recommended as an alternative mode of physical activity programming for improving balance and gait. © 2014 The Society of Physical Therapy Science. Published by IPEC Inc.