The effect of virtual reality games on the balance and function of the lower extremity of children with Down syndrome
Oral Presentation
Paper ID : 1862-12THCONG
Oral / Poster Presentation File: 12th Cong Presentation_1.pptx
Authors
1Student of Islamic Azad University of Karaj, Sport Injuries
2Assistant Professor, Sport Injuries, Sport Sciences Research Institute (SSRI)
3Assistant Professor of Motor Behavior, Department of Motor Behavior, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran, P. O. Box: 313 – 31485
Abstract
Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder and the most common genetic cause of mental retardation in children. In recent decade Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a rehabilitation technology for patients with neurologic conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of virtual reality games on the balance and function of the lower extremity of children with Down syndrome.
Participants in this quasi-experimental study included 30 girls aged 8 to 12 with Down syndrome in Gorgan city with an IQ of 50 to 70, who were invited to the study and randomly divided into Experimental and control groups each consist of 15 people. The intervention program lasted four weeks and 5 days per a week, averaging 30 minutes (two 15-minute boxing and skiing games) with the Xbox device. Lower extremity balance was assessed using Berg balance test and lower extremity function was assessed using long jump, vertical jump, single leg jump and 2*10 meters sprint. To analyze the research hypotheses, dependent t-test and analysis of covariance with elimination of the pretest effect at a significant level (α = 5%) were used.
Findings showed that a four week period of active virtual reality games can significantly improve the dynamic balance (P=0.001, Effect Size=0.59), long jump (P=0.001, Effect Size=0.54), vertical jump (P=0.001, Effect Size=0.69), single leg jump (P=0.001, Effect Size=0.59) and 2*10 meters sprint (P=0.001, Effect Size=0.59) in children with Down syndrome.
Virtual reality games improve lower extremity function and balance in children with Down syndrome. Since balance and function of the lower extremity are important factors in physical fitness and daily life, using virtual reality games can lead to an increase in these abilities in children with Down syndrome.
Participants in this quasi-experimental study included 30 girls aged 8 to 12 with Down syndrome in Gorgan city with an IQ of 50 to 70, who were invited to the study and randomly divided into Experimental and control groups each consist of 15 people. The intervention program lasted four weeks and 5 days per a week, averaging 30 minutes (two 15-minute boxing and skiing games) with the Xbox device. Lower extremity balance was assessed using Berg balance test and lower extremity function was assessed using long jump, vertical jump, single leg jump and 2*10 meters sprint. To analyze the research hypotheses, dependent t-test and analysis of covariance with elimination of the pretest effect at a significant level (α = 5%) were used.
Findings showed that a four week period of active virtual reality games can significantly improve the dynamic balance (P=0.001, Effect Size=0.59), long jump (P=0.001, Effect Size=0.54), vertical jump (P=0.001, Effect Size=0.69), single leg jump (P=0.001, Effect Size=0.59) and 2*10 meters sprint (P=0.001, Effect Size=0.59) in children with Down syndrome.
Virtual reality games improve lower extremity function and balance in children with Down syndrome. Since balance and function of the lower extremity are important factors in physical fitness and daily life, using virtual reality games can lead to an increase in these abilities in children with Down syndrome.
Keywords
Subjects