Neuromuscular Excercise in Children with Down Syndrome. A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective to evaluate the effects of neuromuscular exercise, specifying the parameters and characteristics of effective interventions to improve balance, muscle strength and flexibility in children with DS between the ages of 4 and 18 years. Data Sources: A search was carried out on PubMed, PEDro, EMBASE, SCIELO, Lilacs, Cochrane library. Study Selection: The search yielded 1384 eligible articles. Randomized clinical trials were selected, and that would have reported the effectiveness in the outcomes. Data Extraction: The methodology and results of the studies were critically appraised in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes guidelines. Data Synthesis: Ten studies were included. The interventions included mechanotherapy, vibration, and use of different unstable surfaces. The exercise frequency ranged from three days to five days a week, and the duration of each session was between six and 15 minutes. The frequency was between two and three times a week for 6 and 12 weeks and the intensity was between 60% and 80% of maximum resistance (MR). Conclusion neuromuscular exercise appears to be effective for the improvement of both lower limb and chest muscle strength and balance in children over 8 years of age.