Sport şi Societate (Mar 2014)
THE ROLE OF GYMNASTICS AND DANCE IN REHABILITATING MOTOR CAPACITIES IN CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME
Abstract
Down syndrome produced by trisomy 21, is the first cause of mental retardation and the most common chromosomal disorder. Among themotilitydisordersobservedin children withDownsyndromedue tomusclehypotoniaandhyperlaxityin the joints, it is noted delays inmotor development, balance disorder, coordination andmotorexecution. Therefore,the studyaims todesignand implement a systemof exercisesand usethem asa programadapted to thephysical and psychologicalfeaturesof children, given their motivationforphysical activity. The program was created based on specific exercises of gymnastics and dance following a series of objectives, such as: personal autonomy skills development, training of self and self-control training, motor skills, physical development and harmonious physical development scheme. The research hypothesiswasdirected towards improvingthe physical conditionof childrenwith Down syndromethrough the practice ofadapted physicalactivity. The studyincluded3 childrenwith Down syndromebeing underobservation at PenillaCenter Jassy. The tests applied on the children werepart ofa test battery named Funfitness. Aftertheir application,was found, on average between pre-test and post-test, an increase insingle-leg stancestability(8.49 svs.11.33 s), a decreaseexecution timesittingliftingtest(18.83 s vs. 16.52s)and improvedabdominalmuscle strengthby increasing the numberof repetitions(48.33vs.51.66). Inthe interpretation of data, we conclude that gymnasticsanddanceexercisesadaptedto children withDownsyndromehave developed self-confidence andhave led to improvedmotor and psychomotor capacities.
