The Impact of Core Stability Versus Respiratory Muscle Strengthening Exercises on Bone Mineral Density in Children With Down Syndrome

Cairo University (CU)

Status: Begins enrollment this month

Conditions: Low Bone Mineral Density; Down Syndrome (DS)

Treatments: Behavioral: Core Stability Exercise Group; Behavioral: Control /Conventional Physiotherapy Group; Device: Respiratory Muscle Strengthening Group

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07328165

P.T.REC/012/005953

Details and patient eligibility

About

Children with Down syndrome often exhibit diminished physical fitness levels and lower bone mass. Numerous factors contribute to this decrease in bone mass density, including decreased levels of leptin, reduced muscle mass and strength, impaired balance, and skeletal abnormalities. These factors further exacerbate the risk of developing osteoporosis in this population. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize interventions that focus on maximizing peak bone mass during childhood in order to enhance the quality of life for adults with Down syndrome. The study aims to compare the impact of core stability exercises and respiratory muscle strengthening exercises on bone mineral density in children with Down syndrome. Sixty Children with Down syndrome will be assessed and included in this study. The age of children will range from 10 to 13 years. Children will be allocated randomly into three groups (control and two study group A & B). The control group receives a physical therapy program, study group A receives traditional physical therapy program with core stability exercises, and study group B receives traditional physical therapy program with respiratory muscle strengthening exercises. Groups will be evaluated using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry DXA (DPX-IQ, version 4.6A). Bone mineral density (BMD) of femoral neck and lumbar spine will be determined and the mean density will be expressed as g/cm2.

Enrollment: 60 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 10 to 13 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Age will range from 10-13 years
• Diagnosed with Down syndrome.
• Children with the ability to understand and follow verbal commands and instructions used during training and tests
• Able to stand and walk independently

Exclusion criteria

• Any neurological, mobility disorders, vision or hearing loss, cardiac anomalies or musculoskeletal disorder
• With asthma or any chronic chest diseases
• With significant tightness or deformities in the lower limbs and limber spine

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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60 participants in 3 patient groups

Core Stability Exercise Group

Experimental group

Description:

This group will receive core stability exercises in addition to physical therapy program as control group.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Core Stability Exercise Group

Respiratory Muscle Strengthening Group

Experimental group

Description:

This group will receive respiratory muscle strengthening exercises in addition to physical therapy program as control group

Treatment:

Device: Respiratory Muscle Strengthening Group

Control Group

Active Comparator group

Description:

The control group will receive the physical therapy program and conduct three times peer week over 8 consecutive weeks under the supervision of a physical rehabilitation specialist

Treatment:

Behavioral: Control /Conventional Physiotherapy Group