Methods for functional pedagogical testing of stabilizer muscles in the cervical spine in children with Down syndrome

The article presents an analytical review of the issues related to pedagogical testing of the endurance of cervical spine stabilizer muscles in children with cervical spine instability (CSI), which is a widespread phenomenon associated with Down syndrome. It is shown that currently there is no established set of pedagogical tests for assessing the physical qualities of cervical spine stabilizer muscle groups, aimed at the initial identification of markers that could indicate the potential presence of CSI. The purpose of the study was to identify the means for functional pedagogical testing of the cervical spine stabilizer muscles in children with Down syndrome. Research methods and organization. In the course of the pilot study, analysis and synthesis of scientific and methodological literature, analysis of IPRA of the participants, surveys of adaptive swimming coaches, and questionnaires for orthopedic doctors were applied. The study was conducted at the State Budgetary Institution Children's Youth Center of the Moscow District of Saint Petersburg "CFKSIZ " and at the St. Petersburg State Budgetary Institution " CAPCSAS SPb". Research results and conclusions. A set of control exercises for pedagogical testing has been developed, and the initial positions have been modified. The ability to accurately determine the physical indicators of the cervical spine stabilizer muscles is an effective means for selecting the most optimal methods of pedagogical intervention when teaching swimming to children with Down syndrome who have diagnosed cervical spine instability. The necessity of taking individual characteristics into account in swimming instruction is substantiated, and, consequently, the development of an adapted teaching methodology is justified, incorporating means of functional pedagogical testing of the cervical spine stabilizer muscles in children with Down syndrome.