The effect of rhythmic exercise on balance performance in children with mental retardation

Slamet Raharjo 1, *, Nguyen Tra Giang 2 and Raja Mohammed Firhad Raja Azidin 3

1 Department of Sports Science, Faculty of Sports Science, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, Indonesia.
2 Institute of Sports Science and Management, University of Management and Technology Hochiminh City, Vietnam.
3 Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Malaysia.
 
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 22(01), 1023–1027
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2024.22.1.1116
 
Publication history: 
Received on 03 March 2024; revised on 11 April 2024; accepted on 13 April 2024
 
Abstract: 
This study aims to demonstrate the effect of rhythmic exercise on improving static balance in children with mental retardation. The study employed a quantitative method with a pretest-posttest control group design. A total of 12 children with mental retardation, aged 10-12 years, participated in the study. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (CG, n=6) and the rhythmic exercise group (RE, n=6). The rhythmic exercise intervention was conducted with a duration of 20-30 minutes per session, at a light to moderate intensity, three times a week for four weeks. Static balance was measured using the Stork Balance Stand Test, conducted pre-exercise and post-exercise. Data analysis techniques included the paired sample t-test with a significance level of 5%. The results showed the average static balance in the CG and RE between pre-exercise and post-exercise (12.89±1.74 vs 13.16±2.05 seconds, p ≥ 0.05), and (13.24±1.39 vs 21.03±1.62 seconds, p ≤ 0.001). The findings indicate that the rhythmic exercise intervention conducted over four weeks was effective in improving static balance in children with mental retardation.
 
Keywords: 
Children With Special Needs; Static Balance; Mental Retardation; Rhythmic Exercise
 
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