Effectiveness of a Functional Rehabilitation Program in Enhancing Lower Limb Performance and Preventing Injuries among Athletic Children with Down Syndrome

Al-Mohamady, Esraa Atta; Osman, Ahmed Mahmoud; Shaker, Mohamed El-Sayed; Hefzy, Kholoud Mohamed

doi:10.21608/ajssa.2025.438199.1229

Effectiveness of a Functional Rehabilitation Program in Enhancing Lower Limb Performance and Preventing Injuries among Athletic Children with Down Syndrome

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Associate Professor, Department of Sports Health Sciences, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Assiut University.

² Associate Professor, Department of Sports Pedagogy and Sport Psychology, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Assiut University.

³ Researcher, Department of Sports Health Sciences

10.21608/ajssa.2025.438199.1229

Abstract

Materials and Methods
Study Design
The present study utilized a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design to evaluate the effect of a functional rehabilitation program on improving lower limb muscular strength and balance and preventing potential injuries among karate athletes with Down syndrome. The program was implemented over 12 weeks , structured into three progressive phases , each designed according to principles of motor learning and progressive overload.
All study procedures were conducted under the supervision of the Faculty of Physical Education, Assiut University , in cooperation with Benaa Institution for Development and Rehabilitation, Sohag, Egypt.
Participants
The study sample consisted of eight male karate (kata) athletes with Down syndrome, aged 12–15 years (mean ± SD: 13.4 ± 1.1 years), enrolled at Benaa Institution for Development and Rehabilitation , Sohag City, Egypt.
All participants were actively training in karate for a minimum of one year , with prior participation in local-level kata competitions.

Instruments and Data Collection Tools
1. Muscular Strength Tests
* Isometric Strength: measured using a handheld dynamometer (Lafayette Model 01165) for quadriceps and hamstring muscles.
* Explosive Strength: assessed using the Standing Long Jump Test (SLJT) as an indicator of lower limb power.
2. Balance Assessment
* Static Balance: measured using the Stork Stand Test (single-leg balance duration in seconds).
* Dynamic Balance: assessed using the Y-Balance Test (YBT) to quantify reach distances in anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions normalized to leg length.

Keywords