| The Effects of Exercise Interventions on Balance Enhancement in Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review Focusing on Understudied Methods |
| Paper ID : 1778-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
|
pouria Zibaee1, Mohammad Amin Khani *2, Mohammad Karimizadeh Ardakani3 1. Student of Master's Expert, Department of Sports Injuries and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran 2. Student of Master's Expert, Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran 3Associate Professor, Department of Sports Injuries and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran |
| Abstract |
| Introduction Intellectual disability (ID), a common neurodevelopmental disorder, often causes static and dynamic balance deficits, impairing independence and quality of life. While traditional interventions like resistance or strengthening exercises have dominated prior studies, novel approaches—such as technology-based exercises, group activities, and play-based programs—demonstrate greater potential for balance improvement but receive less attention. This systematic review (2012–2024) examined exercise interventions effectiveness on balance in individuals with intellectual disability, identifying research gaps and proposing practical rehabilitation recommendations. Methods This systematic review examined the effectiveness of understudied exercise interventions on static/dynamic balance in individuals with ID. PICO formulated research questions; PRISMA flowchart illustrated selection/screening. Studies were searched in Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, ResearchGate and MagIran (2012–2024) using keywords: intellectual disability, static/dynamic balance and exercise interventions .Inclusion criteria: complete balance outcome data, ≥4-week interventions, valid experimental studies. Exclusion criteria: no control groups or reviews/meta-analyses. From 536 articles, 11 were selected for analysis. Variables examined: balance tests, training duration, sample size, disability type, age/gender, intervention effectiveness. Results: All interventions demonstrated improvements in balance. For example, rope-jumping enhanced static and dynamic balance in anterior, posterior-internal, and posterior-external directions (p=0.019); rebound exercises increased static and dynamic balance (p=0.002); Wii Fit games improved static balance by 7.7 seconds (p=0.012) and reduced dynamic time test by 1.1 seconds; climbing improved functional reach by 7.79 cm (p<0.001) and balance walking score by 0.47 (p=0.003). Conclusion: Novel exercise interventions such as Wii Fit, Kin-Ball exercises, and climbing effectively improved static and dynamic balance in individuals with ID, with no reported adverse effects. These engaging approaches—often incorporating technology, play, or group activities—can increase exercise variety and appeal, thereby enhancing training effectiveness. They warrant further exploration and broader implementation. Future research should prioritize larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up to confirm sustained benefits |
| Keywords |
| Intellectual Disability, Exercise Interventions, Static Balance, Dynamic Balance, Systematic Review |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
