The Transition from Dependency to Autonomy of Children with Down Syndrome through Development of Motor Skills in Gymnastic Exercises

  • Bianca CHERA-FERRARIO Valahia University of Târgovişte, Târgovişte, România
  • Camelia VOICU Valahia University of Târgovişte, Târgovişte, România
Keywords: Down Syndrome, gymnastics program, autonomy skills, coordinating capacity

Abstract

Motor abilities development in persons with Down syndrome is challenging but essential issue to their autonomous activity. Of motor skills, coordinating capabilities are key elements, necessary and mandatory for daily activities. Coordinating capacity is a complex a plurality of psychomotor skills inevitably present in the actions of everyday life. The paper describe the results obtained in developing autonomous abilities, targeting most the coordinating capacity, through activities held in Targoviste in the frame of the project "Development of motor skills in people with Down syndrome - essential step to an independent life". The project was coordinated by Special Olympics Romania Foundation. The research objectives were to investigate the contribution of gymnastics programs to the development of coordinating capacity and autonomy of children with Down syndrome, and to assess the parent`s satisfaction with the children`s progress in obtaining more independency in daily routine. The research hypothesis was: if children with Down syndrome participate in periodic and regular gym activities, they will have a greater degree of autonomy in their daily activities. The results of gym programs confirmed the hypothesis. The regular and continuously gymnastics program had strengthening the Down syndrome children skills and their execution. Children were not only having better coordinating skills, but also they were using motor skills with precision, courage and, most important, independently in their daily activities. Also, the parents daily reports on children`s autonomy skills and activities showed improvements of children`s independent life and of their own.

References

[1] Popescu G. Performance, Reference Systems and Strategies for Balance Training in Syndrome Down Subjects Beginning Gymnastics. PSBS [Internet], 2014 March [cited 2017, march, 10]; 117: 553-558. Available from http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.02.261
[2] Special Olympics Romania. Dezvoltarea de abilitati motorii la persoanele cu sindrom Down [Development of motor skills in people with Down syndrome]. Bucuresti: SpecialOlympics; 2015 [cited 2017, feb.25]. Available from http://specialolympics.ro/programe/sport/dezvoltarea-de-abilitati-motorii-la-persoanele-cu-sindrom/
[3] Cordun M. Bioenergetică şi Ergometrie în Sport [Bioenergy and Ergometry in Sport]. Bucuresti: Editura CD PRESS; 2011. 289 p.
[4] Fernandes VR, Ribeiro MLS, Melo T, de Tarso Maciel-Pinheiro P, Guimarães TT, Araújo NB, et al. Motor Coordination Correlates with Academic Achievement and Cognitive Function in Children. Front. Psychol [Internet]. 2016 March 15 [cited 2017, May 12]; 7: 318. Available from: doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00318,
[5] Sacks B, Buckley SJ. Motor development for individuals with Down syndrome – An overview. Down Syndrome Issues and Information. 2003. Portsmouth, UK. [cited 2017, may, 12]. Available from www.down-syndrome.org/information/motor/overview
[6] Neagu N. Improving social and professional integration of people with Down syndrome by means and kinetic techniques. PSBS [Internet]. 2012 January [cited 2017, march, 10]. 33: 493-497. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.01.170
[7] Bădicu G, Grosz WR, Balint L. Influences of practicing leisure sports activities on mental health in adult population. PSBS [Internet]. 2016 May [cited 2017, may, 10]. 180: 1221-1228. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.15405/epsbs.2017.05.02.193.
Published
2017-08-18
How to Cite
CHERA-FERRARIO, B., & VOICU, C. (2017). The Transition from Dependency to Autonomy of Children with Down Syndrome through Development of Motor Skills in Gymnastic Exercises. LUMEN Proceedings, 1, 147-158. https://doi.org/10.18662/lumproc.rsacvp2017.14