Effects of a Structured Physical Activity Program on Balance and Functional Performance in Children With Down Syndrome (DS-YOGA)

Effects of a Structured Yoga-Based Physical Activity Program on Balance and Functional Performance in Children With Down Syndrome: A Pilot Intervention Study

Children with Down syndrome commonly exhibit hypotonia, impaired balance, and reduced functional mobility. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a structured yoga-based physical activity program on balance and functional performance in children with Down syndrome.

Fifteen children aged 7-12 years participated in a 12-week intervention program consisting of adaptive yoga exercises, breathing techniques, and relaxation practices. Outcome measures included balance assessment using a sensor-based digital system and functional performance tests.

The findings are expected to provide evidence on the effectiveness of structured physical activity interventions in improving motor performance in children with Down syndrome.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Rehabilitation; Yoga; Down Syndrome (DS); Physical Activities; Balance Assessment
• Intervention / Treatment: Behavioral: Yoga Program

Detailed Description

This study was designed as a single-group interventional pilot study to investigate the effects of a structured yoga-based physical activity program on balance and functional performance in children with Down syndrome.

Participants aged between 7 and 12 years were recruited from a special education center. The intervention lasted 12 weeks and included adaptive yoga postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques tailored to the functional abilities of the participants.

Balance was assessed using a sensor-based digital balance system, and functional performance was evaluated using standardized clinical tests including the Timed Up and Go test, Five Times Sit to Stand test, Two-Minute Walk Test, and One-Leg Balance Test.

Assessments were conducted before and after the intervention. The study aimed to explore whether structured physical activity can improve postural control and functional mobility in children with Down syndrome.

This pilot study provides preliminary evidence to support the integration of structured physical activity programs into rehabilitation strategies for children with Down syndrome.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 15
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Turkey (Türkiye)
  • Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)
    • Ankara University

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Child; Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children aged 7-18 years with a clinical diagnosis of Down syndrome
• Ability to follow simple verbal instructions
• Ability to stand independently with or without assistive devices
• Participation in a structured physical activity program
• Informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe orthopedic, neurological, or cardiovascular conditions affecting balance or mobility
• Uncontrolled epilepsy
• Severe visual or vestibular impairments affecting balance
• Recent lower limb surgery or injury (within the past 6 months)
• Inability to complete assessment procedures

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: N/A
• Interventional Model: Single Group Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

1

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Yoga Intervention; Participants received a structured yoga-based physical activity program designed for children with Down syndrome. The program focused on improving balance, postural control, and functional performance. Sessions were conducted 3 times per week for 8 weeks, each lasting approximately 45-60 minutes.	Behavioral: Yoga Program; A structured yoga-based exercise program including balance, coordination, and postural control exercises tailored for children with Down syndrome. The intervention aimed to enhance motor performance and functional abilities.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Static Balance Performance	Static balance was assessed using a sensor-based balance system (BOBO Pro 2). Measurements included stability and postural sway parameters recorded during quiet standing in children with Down syndrome.	Baseline and 8 weeks intervention

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Dynamic Balance Performance	Dynamic balance was evaluated using functional balance tasks with a sensor-based system (BOBO Pro 2), assessing movement control and postural stability during dynamic activities in children with Down syndrome.	Baseline and 8 weeks intervention
Functional Performance (Timed Up and Go Test and Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test)	Functional performance was assessed using standardized functional tests including the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and the Five Times Sit-to-Stand (5xSTS) test. The TUG test evaluates functional mobility, balance, and walking ability, and is recorded as the time in seconds required to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn, walk back, and sit down. The 5xSTS test assesses lower limb strength and functional mobility and is recorded as the time in seconds required to complete five consecutive sit-to-stand repetitions. All assessments were conducted in children with Down syndrome.	Baseline and 8 weeks intervention

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Ankara University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): June 1, 2025
• Primary Completion (Actual): September 3, 2025
• Study Completion (Actual): October 5, 2025

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: April 9, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 14, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): April 16, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): April 16, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 14, 2026
• Last Verified: April 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Rehabilitation; Balance; Down Syndrome; Physical Performance; Yoga Therapy
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Neurologic Manifestations; Nervous System Diseases; Genetic Diseases, Inborn; Neurobehavioral Manifestations; Congenital Abnormalities; Abnormalities, Multiple; Intellectual Disability; Chromosome Disorders; Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities; Behavior; Down Syndrome; Motor Activity
• Other Study ID Numbers: 2025/373-ANKU-ETIK

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO
• IPD Plan Description: Individual participant data will not be shared.

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No