Effectiveness of Rhythmic Aerobic Exercises versus Foot Muscle Exercises on balance and functional mobility in children with Down Syndrome exhibiting pes planus : A Comparative Study

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of Rhythmic Aerobic Exercises and Foot Muscle Exercises on balance and functional mobility in children with Down Syndrome having flexible pes planus, Down Syndrome is associated with hypotonia, ligamentous laxity, and delayed motor coordination, which contribute to poor balance and unstable gait. Pes planus affects the alignment of the foot and further increases the risk of balance deficits. Rhythmic aerobic exercises use music-based movement patterns to enhance motor control, whereas foot muscle exercises target the intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles for improving the stability of the arch and enhancing functional alignment. Twenty eight children, aged between seven and fifteen years will be randomly allocated into two groups Group A receiving Rhythmic Aerobic Exercises and Group B receiving Foot Muscle Exercises. In addition, both groups will receive conventional physiotherapy. The outcomes will be measured using the Pediatric Balance Scale Timed Up and Go Test and Foot Posture Index before and after eight weeks of intervention. The study aims to determine which intervention provides greater improvement in balance and mobility.