The effects of14 weekly physical activity program on motor development and daily living activitiy in children with down syndrome

The aim of present study was to investigate the effects of 14 weekly physical activity program on motor skill level and daily living activity of children with 6 -10 year-old Down Syndrome.Participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions (1) experimental group (participating in the program of physical activity;14 weekly, 3 x / week, 1x / day); (2) control group (not participate any activity) that in all groups have to be similar level of mental disability.Mental Disability of all participants were analyzed at the beginning of the study. In baseline measurements, similarities between participant in height, weight, physical fitness, motor skills and functional independence in terms of levels were investigated. Motor skills and functional independence levels tests were considered as outcome measure, and administered three times in 14-week physical activity program period.Statistical analyses revealed that; in baseline measurement, participant had similar height, weight, physical fitness, motor skills and functional independence characteristics (p>.05). After 14-week-period, there was a time, time x group interaction, and group differences in motor skills scores and the sub-areas of daily life self-care skills and total daily living scores. The other sub-areas of daily living skills, cognitive skills, there was a time interaction but in cognitive skills and mobility no significant difference between groups among three measurement.In conclusion, it was determined that participants who joined 14 weekly physical activity programs developed their motor skills and daily living activities. In addition, with this research, it was conclude that TGMD-2 was a useful test for monitoring and supporting the motor development of children with Down syndrome in our country.