Effect of balance training and posture exercises on functional level in individuals with mental retardation

Aim: To determine the effect of balance training and postural exercises on functional level in individuals with mild mental retardation.Method: 28 students who were attending at Can Special Education Elementary School, 6 hours a day, 5 days per week, mild mentally retarded (IQ=50-70) and approved for this investigation by the school administration and parents were included for this study. Participants were randomly placed into exercise (n=14) and control (n=14) groups. Exercise group participated in a balance training and postural exercise program with swissball, 8 weeks in duration at a frequency of 3 times per week, additional to physical education program at school. Control group followed only physical education program at school. Muscle endurance (Sit-Ups Test), flexibilty (Sit and Reach Test), muscle strength and coordination (Chair Rising Test), functional mobility (Timed Up and Go Test and 50 Feet Walking Test) and balance (Pediatric Balance Scale) was performed to assess the variables. Assessments were performed prior to commencing the exercise program and after completion of the exercise program.Results: Exercise and control groups are homogeneous in terms of age, BMI, gender and falling frequency. Base on data analysis, there was no statistically significant difference when two groups compared (p>0.05). A satistically significant difference was found in all parameters except flexibility in exercise group (p<0.05).Conclusion: In our study, it was concluded that, balance training and postural exercises were effective in improving the functional level in individuals with mental retardation.Key Words: Mental Retardation, Physiotherapy, Balance, Functional Level