The Effects of Postural Training on Gait Kinematics in Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

This study examines the effects and durability of postural exercise on gait kinematics in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). Thirty-four men with mild IDDs were assigned to either the training group (n = 19) or the control group (n = 15). The TG performed the intervention over 8 weeks, 3 days/week, 1 h/day. The results indicated that the intervention program had a significant effect on some variables of gait. Additionally, in the TG between post-test and follow-up, there was no significant difference, which indicated that gait variables were maintained by the TG one month after the end of the program. This research demonstrates that postural exercises are a viable intervention for enhancing the gait of people with IDDs.