Influence and Interaction: Game-Based Exercises and Body Balance on Locomotor and Core Muscles Endurance in Children with Down syndrome

• Published in: Retos (Madrid) Vol. 58; no. 58; pp. 265 - 281
• Main Authors: Anugrah, Tama, Sumaryanti, Sumaryanti, Ambardini, Rachmah Laksmi, Nugroho, Sigit, Sutapa, Panggung, Arovah, Novita Intan, Simatupang, Nurhayati
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.2024
• ISSN: 1579-1726; 1988-2041; 1988-2041
• DOI: 10.47197/retos.v58.102542

Down syndrome (DS) children experience body balance problems that may hinder their locomotor abilities and and core muscle endurance. Exercises through games, however may improve their locomotor abilities and core muscle endurance. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the differences in the effect between balance levels, between types of exercises, and the interaction between dynamic body balance and exercises on locomotor ability and core muscle endurance. A total of 16 children with DS were sampled and divided into four groups based on dynamic body balance levels (High vs. Low) and the type of exercises (Snake-Leader vs. Engklek). The exercises were conducted in 16 sessions, each for 60 minutes, thrice weekly conducetd in five week period. Dynamic body balance was measured using functional reach test. The locomotor ability assessment was conducted using the gross motor development-2nd edition test, while core muscle endurance was measured using plank test. The locomotor ability and core muscles endurances were assessed before and after the exercise program. The two-way ANOVA technique was conducted using the difference between pre and post test data as the dependent variables while locomotor ability and core stability endurance as factor variables with 5% significance level. The results on locomotor ability showed a significant main effect for the type of exercise, F(1, 12) = 10.347, p = 0.007, partial η2 = 0.463; a significant main effect for balance levels, F(1, 12) = 38.265, p = 0.000, partial η2 = 0.761; and no significant interaction, F(1, 12) = 3.0, p = 0.109, partial η2 = 0.2. The results on core muscular endurance showed a significant main effect for the type of exercise, F(1, 12) = 2.690, p = 0.127, partial η2 = 0.183; a significant main effect for balance levels, F(1, 12)=37.590, p = 0.000, partial η2 = 0.758; and a significant interaction, F(1, 12) = 8.979, p = 0.011, partial η2 = 0.428. Snakes and Ladders game is appropriate for children with DS with a high and low dynamic balance to improve locomotor ability. The Engklek game is right for DS children with a high dynamic balance to increase the endurance of the core muscles, while the Snakes and Ladders game is right for DS children with low dynamic balance. Keywords: Influence and interaction, game-based exercises, body balance, locomotor ability, core muscle endurance, Down syndrome