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Distinct effects of trampoline-based stretch-shortening cycle exercises on muscle strength and postural control in
A R Azab1, W S Mahmoud, M A Basha
1Department of Physical Therapy and Health Rehabilitation, Collage of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia. al.ibrahim@psau.edu.sa.
Insights
Trampoline-based stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) exercises significantly improved muscle strength and postural control in children with Down
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Children with Down syndrome often exhibit muscle weakness and impaired postural control.
- Standard physical therapy may not fully address these functional deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a 12-week trampoline-based stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) exercise program on muscle strength and postural stability in children with Down syndrome (DS).
Main Methods:
- Thirty-two children with DS (aged 7-9 years) were randomized into a control group (standard physical therapy) or an SSC group (standard physical therapy plus 12 weeks of twice-weekly, 15-minute trampoline SSC exercises).
- Muscle strength (hip, knee, ankle) and postural control (anterior/posterior, medial/lateral, and overall stability indices) were assessed pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- The SSC group demonstrated significant improvements in hip extensor/adductor, knee extensor/flexor, and ankle dorsi/plantar flexor strength compared to the control group.
- Postural control, measured by reduced anterior/posterior, medial/lateral, and overall stability indices, also significantly improved in the SSC group versus the control group.
Conclusions:
- A 12-week trampoline-based SSC exercise program is effective in enhancing muscle strength and postural control in children with Down syndrome.
- These findings suggest that trampoline-based SSC exercises should be considered for inclusion in rehabilitation programs for children with DS.
Objective:
The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a 3-month, trampoline-based stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) exercises on muscle strength and postural control in children with Down's syndrome (DS).
Patients And Methods:
Thirty-two children with DS aged between 7-9 years were enrolled and randomly assigned into the control group (n = 16); received standard physical therapy (sPT) or SSC group (n = 16); received sPT in addition to a 15-minute, trampoline-based SSC training program twice per week for 12 successive weeks. Lower limb muscle strength and postural stability [anterior/posterior stability index (A/P-SI), medial/lateral stability index (M/L-SI)], and overall stability index (O-SI) were assessed pre- and post-treatment.
Results:
Strength of hip extensor (p=0.034) and adductor (p=0.015), knee extensor (p=0.028) and flexor (p=0.01), and ankle dorsi (p=0.033) and plantar flexor (p=0.007) muscles increased significantly in the SSC group when compared with the control group. Also, the A/P-SI (p=0.019), M/L-SI (p=0.002), and O-SI (p=0.021) decreased significantly in the SSC group when compared with the control group, suggesting better postural control.
Conclusions:
Twelve weeks of trampoline-based SSC exercises are likely effective for enhancing muscle strength and postural control in children with DS and should consequently be included in the rehabilitation programs for these children.
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