The Effect of Supervised Exercise and Balance Training in Adults with Intellectual and

Developmental Disabilities

Student: Randie Kuhar B.S.,

Faculty Mentors: Laurie DiRosa Ed.D., and Nicholas Racich PT, DPT, OCS

Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences, Immaculata University

Background. Having proper balance allows us to stand, walk, and perform activities of daily
living. For those with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), balance can be difficult,
and increases the risk of falls. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in pre-
and post balance amongst individuals with IDD attending the GetFIT@IU program.

Participants. 1 male and 4 females with an average age of 26 participated in this study.

Intervention. At pre-test and post-test (4 weeks) each participant completed the timed up and go
(TUG), dynamic gait index (DGI), functional reach, and balance error scoring system (BESS).
Prescribed exercises focused on the areas of weakness for each participant.

Results and Conclusion. There was a significant increase in functional reach (p=0.020) and
DGI (p=0.005) but not TUG or BESS. Progress on the DGI and functional reach tests indicate
decreased fall risk; TUG pre/post times indicate low fall risk (average of 8 seconds); BESS needs
improvement as scores should be 12 or less (average score at post was 17.8). Balance
interventions should be continued within the program with an emphasis on multi-surface
exercises to decrease BESS scores.