The effect and durability of functional exercises on Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) scores in people with intellectual disabilities: a preliminary report.

BACKGROUND

Problems and limitations of movement in individuals with ID are highly common, which particularly may cause the loss of basic performance and limit the person's independence in doing their daily activities. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect and durability of functional exercises on balance evaluation systems test (BESTest) scores of individuals with ID.

METHODS

In the present study, 34 participants with ID were selected randomly and divided into three groups: training groups [unstable group (UG); n = 12; age = 21.46 ± 5.37 years and stable group (SG); n = 12; age = 18.50 ± 2.11 years] or the control group (CG; n = 10; age = 19.50 ± 1.27 years). The postural stability measure was collected with the BESTest. The training groups did the functional exercises for 8 weeks, 3 days/week and 1 h/day. The control group did not experience any training. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS 22 software on a significance level (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

Both UG and SG training improved the outcome measures [biomechanical constraints (F = 14.04; P = 0.001), limits of stability/verticality (F = 54.39; P = 0.001), postural responses (F = 26.28; P = 0.001), anticipatory postural adjustment (F = 22.72; P = 0.001), stability in gait (F = 51.95; P = 0.001), sensory orientation (F = 83.87; P = 0.001) and total score (F = 114.1; P = 0.001)]. These improvements were maintained at a 1-month follow-up, although the effect was slightly reduced. The results showed that the training group at an unstable level has more balanced improvement compared to the training group at a stable level.

CONCLUSION

This study presents evidence that functional exercises can be recognised as a comprehensive and effective mediator in the improvement of balance in individuals with ID and also affect performance and movement activities.