Psychomotor strategy to enhance strength/coordination in children with Down syndrome
Keywords:
psychomotor strategy, strength/coordination, Down syndromeAbstract
Introduction: Down syndrome involves various motor limitations, which must be attended professionally through different areas of intervention. Hence, it is important to diagnosing and implementing optimal motor strategies.
Objective: To evaluate the effects of a psychomotor strategy to enhance strength /coordination in children with Down syndrome.
Methods: A mixed (pretest/posttest) study involving a sample of 20 children (5-6 years old) with Down syndrome, from a motor strategy implemented for 12 weeks. It is evaluated in two moments of the implementation of the intervention proposal with several indicators of strength/coordination, through six assessment tests.
Results: The study indicators showed in all cases significant improvements in favor of the posttest (p<0.05), and included hand-eye coordination (pretest: 2.1 points; posttest: 3.3 points. +1.2); throwing and catching skills (pretest: 2.3 points; posttest: 3.4 points. +1.1); motor coordination circuit (pretest: 2.0 points; posttest: 3.2 points. +1.2); ball pushing (pretest: 1.9 points; posttest: 3.0 points. +1.1); arm flexion (pretest: 2.2 points; posttest: 3.3 points. +1.1); and vertical jump (pretest: 2.0 points; posttest: 3.1 points. +1.1).
Conclusions: The structured, playful, and adaptive psychomotor strategy for enhancing motor development in terms of strength/coordination in children with Down syndrome was effective. This strategy is a valuable tool for professionals in special education, rehabilitation and psychomotricity, and in general health, while contributing to improve life quality and overall well-being of this population.
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