Vestibular Stimulation Versus Foot Intrinsic Muscle Exercises in Children With Down Syndrome

Sponsor
Shalamar Institute of Health Sciences
Study ID
NCT07778654
Status
Not Yet Recruiting

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Conditions

  • Balance Impairment
  • Down Syndrome
  • Functional Mobility

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
4 Years - 15 Years
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • Vestibular Stimulation Exercises — OTHER
    A structured vestibular stimulation exercise program designed to improve postural control, balance, and functional mobility in children with Down syndrome. The program includes sensory-motor activities involving controlled rotational, linear, and vertical movements.
  • Foot Intrinsic Muscle Exercises — OTHER
    A structured foot muscle strengthening program designed to improve foot stability, postural control, balance, and functional mobility in children with Down syndrome. The program targets the intrinsic muscles of the foot through functional strengthening activities.

Study Details

This study will compare the effects of vestibular stimulation exercises and foot intrinsic muscle exercises on balance and functional mobility in children with Down syndrome aged 4-15 years. Children with Down syndrome commonly experience balance and mobility difficulties due to hypotonia, ligamentous laxity, and impaired postural control. The study will determine which of the two exercise approaches is more effective in improving balance and functional mobility, using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. The findings may help physiotherapists select appropriate rehabilitation strategies to improve functional independence in children with Down syndrome.

Key Dates

First listed
Aug 21, 2026
Start date
Sep 2, 2026
Status verified
Aug 2026
Primary completion
Feb 28, 2027
Completion
Mar 29, 2027

Study Design

Enrollment
48 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT

Arms

  • Experimental: Vestibular Stimulation Exercise Group
    Participants in this group will receive vestibular stimulation exercises 3 times per week for 8 weeks, for a total of 24 sessions. Each session will last 20 minutes, with a 5-minute rest interval. The intervention will include spinning while sitting on a Swiss ball, sliding while lying on a large roller pillow, and vertical bouncing while sitting on a roller. Balance and functional mobility will be assessed at baseline (Week 0), immediately after the intervention (Week 8), and at follow-up (Week 12). Balance will be measured using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), and functional mobility will be assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.
  • Experimental: Foot Intrinsic Muscle Exercises
    Participants in this group will receive foot intrinsic muscle exercises 3 times per week for 8 weeks, for a total of 24 sessions. Each session will last 20 minutes, with a 5-minute rest interval. The intervention will include toe curls, marble pickups, short foot exercises, ball rolling, heel raises, step-ups, and football kicking. Seated calf stretching will be performed as a warm-up and cool-down before and after strengthening exercises. Balance and functional mobility will be assessed at baseline (Week 0), immediately after the intervention (Week 8), and at follow-up (Week 12). Balance will be measured using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), and functional mobility will be assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.

Primary Outcome Measure

Change in Balance Measured by the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) [ Time Frame: Baseline (Week 0), immediately post-intervention (Week 8), and follow-up (Week 12) ]

Central Contacts

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