THE RELATIONSHIP OF DYNAMIC BODY BALANCE WITH LOCOMOTOR ABILITY AND ENDURANCE OF CORE MUSCLES IN CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME

Introduction: The scarcity of research results related to the relationship of dynamic body balance with locomotor ability and core muscle endurance makes it difficult to compile a physical exercise program for children with Down syndrome, even though the preparation of the form and duration of exercises that adjust the level of dynamic body balance will minimize the occurrence of more severe injuries and musculoskeletal problems. This study aims to find out, prove, and examine the relationship between dynamic body balance and locomotor ability, and core muscle endurance in children with Down syndrome. Material and Methods: This study included 30 children with Down syndrome who were chosen using a purposive sampling technique. All samples followed the research procedure by measuring dynamic body balance using a functional reach test, assessing locomotor ability with a test of gross motor development (2nd edition), and measuring core muscle endurance using a plank test. The statistical analysis technique uses the Pearson correlation test at a significance level of = 0.05, which is carried out in SPSS software version 22. Results: There is a significant positive relationship between dynamic body balance and locomotor ability with a significance value of 0.000 (Sig. < 0.05) and a positive Pearson correlation value of 0.821. In addition, there was a positive significant relationship between dynamic body balance and the endurance of the core muscles of the children with Down syndrome at a significance level set at 0.000 (Sig. < 0.05) and a positive Pearson correlation of 0.710. Conclusions: The dynamic body balance of children with Down syndrome is significantly positively related to locomotor abilities at a perfect level and the endurance of the core muscles at a strong level.