The Effects of Gymnastics Training Combined With Music in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Down Syndrome

Abstract

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.

Improving Physical Fitness of Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities through an Adapted Rhythmic Gymnastics Program in China

“…Mehrtash et al explain that special aerobic gymnastics training can affect young boys' explosiveness, dynamic and static muscle endurance, flexibility, and exercise frequency [ 38 ]. Akyol and Pektas's research shows that the combination of gymnastics training and music can effectively improve the balance ability, coordination, and flexibility of DS and ASD children [ 39 ]. At present, the topic of how gymnastics improves the fitness of special children is relatively new, and research in this area is not much.…”

Current Approaches to Improve Balance in Down Syndrome Population-A Systematic Review

“…All the included studies showed a low risk of bias. [5,[10][11][12][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28].…”

“…Furthermore, Gutiérrez-Vilahú et al [24] suggested that dance therapy improved some of the parameters related to visual input in controlling COP as young DS individuals had impaired COP control when eyes open and closed as compared to the normal population. Akyol et al [18] determined the significant effects of gymnastic training with music on dynamic balance and coordination in the DS population. Also, Ahmadi et al [19] described the feasibility of functional training as a safer form of exercise with no reported adverse consequences documented to date.…”

“…ND in improving balance. Moreover, Akyol et al[18] and Ahmadi et al[19] concluded that functional or gymnastics training with music has led to significant differences in balance. On the other hand, Didehdar and Kharazinejad[12], Park et al[27], and Nejadsahebi[11] ascertained the significant effects of sensory integration, wobble board training, and rebound therapy, respectively as a single intervention in enhancing static and dynamic balance.…”

Rúbrica para evaluar el equilibrio sobre el caballo en niños con autismo (Rubric for evaluating balance on the horse in children with autism)

“…En este contexto de provisionalidad científica, se han realizado investigaciones prometedoras para mejorar el equilibrio de las personas con autismo, entre otros, con programas de integración sensorial (Sam, Smith y Kai, 2017), a través de videojuegos (Travers et al, 2018), con programas de entrenamiento en artes marciales (Sarabzadeh, Azari & Helalizadeh, 2019), con entrenamiento gimnástico y entrenamiento físico (Akyol & Pektas, 2018;Pan et al, 2017); y también con la ayuda de caballos (Portela-Pino, Bouzo-Gónzalez & Pino-Juste, 2019).…”