The effect and durability of functional exercises on Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) scores in people with intellectual disabilities: a preliminary report

Effects of visual and auditory cognitive tasks on postural balance in adolescents with intellectual disability: A comparative analysis of trained versus non-trained individuals

This study aimed to investigate the influence of visual and auditory cognitive tasks on postural balance in adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID). Participants included two groups: a trained group (n = 11) with experience in athletic activities and a sedentary group (n = 14). The experiment used a comparative cross-sectional design, with data collection involving single-task (ST) and Visual dual-task (VDT), and auditory dual-task (ADT) conditions in both firm and foam surface conditions. Cognitive tests included the Working Memory Test (WMT) and the Selective Attention Test (SAT). Results revealed that the trained group demonstrated significantly superior balance performance (p < 0.05). During the SAT, VDT conditions had lower center of pressure (CoP) values than ADT conditions in the sedentary group (p < 0.01), this result was observed in the training group only in the WMT, suggesting greater postural instability during ADT. These findings highlight the complex relationship between cognitive function and motor control in adolescents with ID, highlighting the potential benefits of regular physical activity interventions to improve postural balance abilities in this population.

Effects of exercise programs on cardiovascular responses in individuals with down syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of exercise interventions designed to improve cardiovascular responses in individuals with DS. A search for relevant articles was conducted on seven electronic databases: PubMed, PEDro, Google Scholar, Scopus, WOS, MEDLINE, and SPORT Discus. An electronic search was conducted on October 15, 2022, without applying any year constraints. The studies were chosen based on a predetermined set of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The methodology of the study was evaluated using the PEDro scale, and data analyses were conducted using the CMA v3 random effects model. In total, 625 articles were reviewed, and data from 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving DS were used in this meta-analysis. The results showed that exercise programs were effective in increasing VO2peak (ml. kg -1min-1) (ES: 0.69; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.27-1.12; P: 0.001), time to exhaustion (ES: 0.83; CI, 0.31-1.35, P: 0.001), and VEpeak (ES: 0.76; CI, 0.32-1.20; P: 0.001). No changes were found for HRpeak (ES: 0.3; CI, -0.02-0.63, P: 0.07), VO2peak (ml·min-1) (ES: 0.45; CI, -0.01-0.92; P: 0.06), or RER (ES: 0.45; CI, -0.09-0.98, P: 0.10). No adverse effects were reported in any of the studies. In this meta-analysis and comprehensive review, exercise interventions may improve cardiovascular responses in DS; however, the association wasn't consistent across trials. RCTs with precise intervention criteria, large sample sizes, and long-term follow-up are needed in the future to demonstrate the benefits of exercise on cardiovascular responses in people with DS.

The test-retest reliability and limits of agreement of the balance evaluation systems test (BESTest) in young people with intellectual disability

Clinical tests for the assessment of postural balance in people with intellectual disability have been the most commonly used single or multi-item tests, but some tests have been developed, such as the BESTest. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the test-retest reliability and limits of agreement of the Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) in young people with intellectual disabilities. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 65 young people (ages 16-25 years) with intellectual disability. The participants completed the BESTest (27 items) twice. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and standard error of measurement (SEM) were calculated to determine the test-retest reliability of the BESTest. The BESTest overall scores' test-retest reliability was rated as excellent (≥ 0.75). Stability limits/verticality and reactive are fair to good (≥ 0.40- < 0.75). Biomechanical constraints, transitions and anticipatory movements, sensory orientation, and gait stability were excellent (≥ 0.75). Current evidence shows that young people with intellectual disabilities have impaired postural balance. However, there appears to be a lack of assessment tools that reliably evaluate the postural balance of this population. The results from this investigation show that BESTest provides "excellent reliability" (≥ 0.75) to assess postural balance in young people with intellectual disability.

Explanatory Capacity of Postural Control and Physical Fitness in Cognitive Impairment and Support Needs among Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities-A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

Postural control is a skill associated with most motor activities and is essential for the performance of activities of daily living. People with intellectual disabilities (ID) present postural control deficits that can be attributed to several causes. The aim of this study was to determine whether postural control and physical fitness could explain the cognitive impairment and support needs in this population. A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted with 18 people with ID. Data collection was based on assessments for postural control (Mini BESTest and Berg Balance Scale) and physical fitness (Senior Fitness Test). The data were analyzed using linear regression models. Anticipatory postural adjustments were associated with support needs, explaining up to 45% of these. Consecutive postural adjustments and upper limb strength were less significantly associated with support needs. However, none of the variables used explained cognitive impairment in ID. Knowledge of the relationships and behavior of the different measurement tools is essential for the development of appropriate interventions in this population.