Motorized Movement Therapy & Pulmonary Functions in Down Syndrome

Improved Pulmonary Functions and Exercise Capacity in Children With Down Syndrome Following Motorized Movement Therapy: Comparison With Chest Physical Therapy

To investigate the effects of the addition of motorized movement therapy versus conventional chest physiotherapy alone on pulmonary functions, exercise capacity, and endurance in children with Down Syndrome

To investigate the effects of the addition of motorized movement therapy versus conventional chest physiotherapy alone on pulmonary functions, exercise capacity, and endurance in children with Down Syndrome (DS). Methods: This randomized controlled study included 40 children (24 boys & 16 girls) with DS. Their ages ranged from 9 to 13 years. The control group received conventional chest physical therapy program, three sessions per week for 12 weeks. The study group received an aerobic exercise regimen using a motorized movement therapy device 3 times /week in addition to the same traditional program used with the control group. Pulmonary function tests, and six-minutes walking test were measured at baseline, after 18 sessions and after 36 sessions of treatment.

Control group treatment is identical to treatment of the study group but without a motorized movement device.Childen in this group received chest physical therapy program including positioning, breathing exercises, and postural drainage in addition to incentive spirometer training for 20 minutes, 3 times/week for 12 weeks.

This group received the same program given to the control group in addition to an aerobic training regimen for 25 minutes 3 times/week for 12 weeks using a motorized movement device.

The study group received an aerobic exercise regimen using a motorized movement therapy device 3 times /week in addition to the same traditional program used with the control group.

FEV1 is the maximal volume of air that can be expired in 1st second of forced vital capacity maneuver using spirometry. We measured FEV1 at baseline and at end of 18 sessions (week 6) and 36 sessions (week 12).

Forced vital capacity (FVC) is the maximal volume of air that can be expired while patient performs forced expiration as fast and as deep as possible using spirometry. We measured FVC at baseline and at end of 18 sessions (week 6) and 36 sessions (week 12).

FEV1/FVC is used to differentiate obstructive from restrictive patterns by spirometry. We measuredFEV1/ FVC at baseline and at end of 18 sessions (week 6) and 36 sessions (week 12).

Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR).is the maximal flow rate achieved during FVC maneuver using spirometry. We measured PEFR at baseline and at end of 18 sessions (week 6) and 36 sessions (week 12).

maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) is the maximal volume of air that can be moved by voluntary ventilation in 1 minute while the patient breathes deeply and rapidly for 12 to 15 seconds using spirometry. We measured MVV at baseline and at end of 18 sessions (week 6) and 36 sessions (week 12).

Inclusion Criteria: Ability to walk independently No involvement in any physical rehabilitation program or sports activity Ability to understand and follow orders Exclusion Criteria: Children suffering from obesity Severe visual and/or auditory impairment Congenital heart disease Children with musculoskeletal disorders

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