Open AccessMotor efficacy of individuals with Down Syndrome as part of their rehabilitation
Author(s) -
Aleksandra Sadziak,
Marta Wieczorek
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
rehabilitacja medyczna
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.108
H-Index - 7
eISSN - 1896-3250
pISSN - 1427-9622
DOI - 10.5604/01.3001.0011.6827
Subject(s) - down syndrome , intellectual disability , rehabilitation , psychology , motor skill , cognition , motor dysfunction , physical medicine and rehabilitation , borderline intellectual functioning , balance (ability) , test (biology) , physical therapy , clinical psychology , developmental psychology , medicine , psychiatry , paleontology , disease , pathology , biology
Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal developmental disorder. Due to the abnormalities of psychophysical development occurring in people with Down Syndrome, it is necessary to implement their rehabilitation. This process should enable achieving and then maintaining an optimal level of physical, mental and social functioning. It can be done through a planned motor efficacy improvement programme. Nowadays, the level of motor efficacy is recognized as a positive measure of health, as well as versatile resourcefulness. Study aim: The cognitive aim of the study was to determine the level of motor efficacy in individuals with Down Syndrome and to show the results of this group compared to those with intellectual disabilities but without Down Syndrome. The applicative goal of the research is to show motor fitness as a factor increasing the effectiveness of functioning in everyday life, which is one of the goals of rehabilitation. Material and methods: The study was conducted among 30 individuals with Down Syndrome of moderate intellectual disability. The method of research was direct observation, the tool – the Eurofit Special Motor Fitness Test. Results: Based on the results, it was noted that the developmental state in the area of motor skills of people with Down Syndrome is lower than in their peers with intellectual disability without Down syndrome. Only balance shows a significantly higher level in the study group compared to the control group. Conclusions: The results obtained in the study may be a starting point when planning improvement programmes being part of the rehabilitation process. Improving the level of motor fitness, which is the expected effect of rehabilitation, will also contribute to improving the health and social functioning of people with Down Syndrome.