Dynamic Balance in Athletes With Intellectual Disability: Effect of Dynamic Stretching and Plyometric Warm-Ups

Abstract

Context: Athletes with intellectual disability (ID) have a high risk of injury while participating in various sports. Warm-up (WU) is the most preventive measure to reduce injuries in sports. Objective: To investigate the effects of dynamic stretching WU (DS-WU) and plyometric WU (PL-WU) on dynamic balance in athletes with ID. Design: Crossover study. Setting: Research laboratory. Participants: A total of 12 athletes with ID (age 24.5 [3.22] y, height 165.7 [8.4] cm, weight 61.5 [7.1] kg, intelligence quotient 61.1 [3.5]). Main Outcome Measures: Dynamic balance was assessed using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) at pre-WU, post-WU, and 15 minutes post-WU for both the DS-WU and the PL-WU. A 2-way analysis of variance (3 sessions × 2 WU methods) with repeated-measures was used in this study. Results: Following the DS-WU, participants demonstrated significant improvements in the SEBT composite score post-WU (89.12% [5.54%] vs 87.04% [5.35%]; P < .01) and at 15 minutes post-WU (89.55% [5.28%] vs 87.04%, P < .01) compared with pre-WU. However, no significant difference between these two post-WU scores (post-WU and 15 min post-WU) was found. For the PL-WU, participants demonstrated a significant decrease in the SEBT composite score at post-WU (85.95% [5.49%] vs 87.02% [5.73%]; P < .05); however, these scores increased significantly at 15 minutes post-WU (88.60% [5.42%] vs 87.02% [5.49%]; P < .05) compared with that at pre-WU. The SEBT composite scores are significantly higher in the DS-WU than in the PL-WU at both post-WU sessions (P < .05). Conclusion: Both DS-WU and PL-WU could improve dynamic balance and may be recommended as WUs in athletes with ID; however, particular caution should be exercised immediately after the PL-WU.

Impact of neuromuscular training including balance, strength and plyometric exercises on static and dynamic balance in high‐level male runners with mild intellectual disability

“…The dynamic PB was assessed using the SEBT (Jouira et al, 2020; Kinzey & Armstrong, 1998). This test consists of a grid of eight directions suspended at 45° from each other.…”

Significance of Sport Activities for Persons With Disabilities

“…A recent study in athletes with ID measured the effect of dynamic stretching and plyometric warms ups. Findings showed that there was improvement in their dynamic balance after certain exercises and a specific time range which can greatly contribute on the safety of the ID athletes as a preventative way on reducing the risk of falls and sport injuries (Jouira et al, 2020).…”

The Relationship between Dynamic Balance, Jumping Ability, and Agility with 100 m Sprinting Performance in Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities

“…However, it has been found that typical development athletes with poor dynamic balance experience a loss of control, which can lead to inefficient movements and slower times. Improving one’s dynamic balance can also reduce the risk of injury in runners with and without intellectual disabilities [ 18 ]. Previous research suggested that athletes with intellectual disabilities exhibit impaired postural balance when compared to the general population [ 19 ].…”

“…The compromised postural balance in athletes with intellectual disabilities may heighten their vulnerability to lower extremity injuries, acknowledged as a key risk factor across various sports in typically developing athletes [ 23 ]. Consequently, the observed reduction in postural balance not only impedes athletes’ sprint performance but also amplifies the probability of injury occurrence [ 18 ].…”