Effects of physical exercises on balance in children with down syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This study aims to systematically explore the effects of different physical exercises on balance ability in children with Down syndrome and to clarify the differences in the effects of various physical exercises on promoting the development of balance ability in children with Down syndrome. The database search period was from July 1, 2024, to August 31, 2024. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Engineering Village databases were searched for all published studies involving randomized controlled trials from database establishment to August 31, 2024. The screening procedure complied with the stated inclusion and exclusion criteria and adhered strictly to the established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool, the methodological quality of the chosen trials was determined. RevMan5.4.1 was used for data analysis, whereas Stata 16.0 was used to assess publication bias. This systematic review and meta-analysis incorporated eight randomized controlled trials comprising 260 participants. Meta-analysis showed that physical exercise significantly improved the dynamic balance (SMD = 1.45, 95%CI [1.14, 1.76], p < 0.00001) and total balance (SMD = 1.44, 95%CI [1.04, 1.85], p < 0.00001) in children with Down syndrome. Physical exercise can improve balance in children with Down syndrome. Among the various exercise modalities, treadmill and core stability training appear to be among the more promising interventions, while Pilates and isokinetic training may also offer beneficial effects. The study protocol has been duly registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024557710).