The effect of animal movement exercises on improving upper and lower body muscles in children with down syndrome

Background and Study Aim. Exercise is crucial for individuals with Down syndrome (DS) as it significantly enhances their physical fitness, motor skills, and overall well-being. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of animal movement exercises on upper and lower body muscle strength in children with Down syndrome. Materials and Methods. This study used a pre-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design. It involved twelve male participants with Down syndrome, aged seven to fourteen years (mean age: 10.25 ± 2.31 years). They received an animal movement exercise intervention over six weeks, with a frequency of three sessions per week. Each session lasted one hour and included a warm-up, main activity phase, and cool-down. Exercises were performed at moderate intensity (60–70% HRmax), and heart rate was monitored using the Polar H10 device. Leg muscle strength, grip strength, coordination, and balance were assessed at baseline (pre) and after six weeks (post). Statistical analysis was conducted using the paired sample t-test with a 5% significance level. Results. The results showed a significant increase in leg muscle strength (kg) between baseline and post-intervention (p = 0.000; ES = 0.955; 95% CI: -2.83, -1.84). Grip strength (kg) also increased significantly (p = 0.000; ES = 1.169; 95% CI: -3.34, -2.49). Coordination (repetitions) showed improvement (p = 0.000; ES = 1.404; 95% CI: -3.08, -2.25). Balance (seconds) increased as well (p = 0.000; ES = 0.715; 95% CI: -2.71, -1.13). Conclusions. Animal movement exercises represent a developmentally appropriate and engaging form of physical activity for children with Down syndrome. Their playful, functional nature aligns well with inclusive approaches to therapy and education, and they may offer practical value in diverse settings, including those with limited resources.