The effect of pelvic Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation technique on balance and gait parameters in children with Down Syndrome- a pre-post interventional study

Hypothesis

Null Hypothesis-Pelvic Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation technique will have no significant effect on balance and gait parameters in children with Down syndrome.

Alternate Hypothesis-Pelvic Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation technique will have a significant effect on balance and gait parameters in children with Down syndrome.

Brief summary

This pre–post interventional study investigates the effect of pelvic PNF techniques on balance and gait parameters in children with Down syndrome, a genetic disorder often associated with hypotonia, ligament laxity, delayed motor milestones, and poor postural control. These impairments frequently lead to gait abnormalities such as reduced velocity, shorter step/stride length, and increased step width, which negatively impact independence and quality of life.

The pelvis is considered a key point of control for gait. Pelvic PNF has been used successfully in populations such as stroke and cerebral palsy to improve pelvic alignment, trunk control, balance, and gait. However, there is limited research on its effectiveness in children with Down syndrome.

In this study, 29 children aged 5–12 years with mild intellectual disability (IQ 50–69) and independent walking ability will undergo a 4-week pelvic PNF training protocol (5 sessions/week, 30 minutes each). Balance will be assessed using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), and gait will be evaluated using spatiotemporal parameters (step length, step width, stride length, cadence, gait velocity) measured through ink footprints and timing methods.

The data will be analyzed with paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test depending on normality. The study aims to provide evidence on whether pelvic PNF can significantly improve gait and balance, thereby enhancing mobility, independence, and quality of life in children with Down syndrome