Gait and Balance (original) (raw)

Springer eBooks, 2015

Abstract

This chapter introduces issues regarding motor deficits in people with intellectual disability (ID), focusing on two motor skills that are essential for life, namely, gait and balance. As the average age of the general population increases and people with ID live longer the ability to achieve static and dynamic balance and an increased risk of falling are becoming increasingly important issues. A better understanding of the nature of gait and balance problems, and identification of the causes of falling in persons with ID may help to develop intervention strategies and techniques preventing falls and injuries in the future. There are several important features of the neuromuscular system that affect the efficiency of gait and balance. These include the level of general physical fitness, coordination, and muscle strength and power, which are commonly reduced in populations with ID. Bearing in mind the limitations of these deficits, the attributes of gait and balance are affected and compensatory mechanisms may be engaged. In this chapter, the literature regarding gait and balance in people with ID compared with nonsymptomatic populations is reviewed, helping to identify the causes and mechanisms of deficits in motor performance. Furthermore, apart from intrinsic causes due to the pathophysiology of the disease, there are environmental conditions, such as the level of physical activity that could reverse negative attitudes for the benefit of people with ID in terms of quality of life. It is concluded, that gait and balance can be improved with interventions involving more physical activities, although further randomized clinical trials are required to establish solid training protocols and treatments.

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