The benefit of a four-week range of motion exercise on hand muscle strength in children with Down Syndrome

Background and Study Aim. Down syndrome is linked to motor disorders, leading to reduced physical activity and fitness, including diminished aerobic endurance and muscle strength. Study Aim - to investigate the efficacy of range of motion exercises in enhancing hand muscle strength in children with Down syndrome. Material and Methods. This research employed a true experimental approach with a pre-test and post-test control group design. The study sample consisted of 18 children with Down syndrome, aged between 10 to 12 years. The selected participants underwent range of motion exercises, which were systematically conducted 3 times a week over a span of 4 weeks. To assess the efficacy of the exercises, hand muscle strength was gauged both before and after the intervention. The measurement tool utilized was a Handgrip Strength (HGS) test, executed with the aid of a Takei dynamometer, ensuring accuracy and consistency in the results. For the statistical analysis of the collected data, a paired sample t-test was employed. The threshold for statistical significance was set at a p-value of less than 0.05 or 5%. Results. The range of motion exercise, when carried out for 4 weeks, has been shown to increase hand muscle strength in children with Down syndrome.  Based on the results of statistical analysis of hand muscle strength pretest and posttest in the control group (CtrG) (6.06 ± 2.11 vs. 6.13 ± 2.23 kg, p ≥ 0.05), and the experimental group (ExpG) (6.10 ± 2.68 vs. 8.95 ± 2.69 kg, p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions. These exercises play a pivotal role in boosting muscle strength in children with Down syndrome. Emphasizing their physical health, especially muscle strength, is vital for their current educational pursuits and future well-being.