The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of gymnastics training combined with music on balance, loco-motor level and coordination in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and down syndrome (DS). This randomized, controlled experimental trial included 30 children (15 children with DS, 15 children with ASD) aged 8 to 14 years. The children were separated into 2 groups, as Group 1 in which ASD and Group 2 in which DS treated gymnastics training with music for 16 weeks, 2 days a week, 1.5-2 hours. Flamingo balance test, functional reach test, Wall Catch coordination test and flexibility test were used to evaluate balance, dynamic balance, loco-motor level and coordination, flexibility, respectively. All groups were evaluated before training and at the end of 16 weeks. When the pre-training and post-training parameters were compared between the groups, a increase was determined in the parameters of balance, loco-motor level and coordination, flexibility in Group1. This increase was statistically greater in Group 1. Statistically significant difference was determined in Group 2 with respect to functional reach test, sit and reach test values. No statistically significant difference was determined in Group 2 in respect of Flamingo and Wall Catch coordination tests. As a result; gymnastics training combined with music were found to be effective in increase balance score, improving loco-motor level, coordination, flexibility in children with DS and ASD. The results of this study can be considered to provide important contributions to the understanding and treatment of children with autism and down syndrome.

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The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of physical activity with music on motor development and performance in children with developmental deficiencies. The study includes twenty children with developmental deficiencies, aged between 10-15 years old. Children were classified into two groups randomly and both groups were given 1 hour of training 3 days a week for 20 weeks. Physical activity with English and Spanish verbal song was used for the first group and only physical activity for the second group. Each participant participated in shuttle, shuttle run, flexibility, standing long jump, vertical jump tests.  The fatigue parameter of children was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale. As a result of this study, it has been shown that physical activity with music is more effective method to improve motor development and performance levels of children with developmental deficiencies.