Influence of shoulder stabilization exercises on hand grip strength in children with Down syndrome: randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Abstract Background Children with Down syndrome (DS) are characterized by hypotonia resulting in reduced grip and pinch strength. This study aimed to investigate the influence of shoulder stabilization exercises on hand grip strength in children with Down syndrome. Thirty children with DS assigned randomly into 2 groups each group consists of 15 children. Handheld Dynamometer was used to measure grip strength and different pinch grasps for both groups before and after treatment. Both groups receive the same vocational school activities and the study group receives shoulder stabilization exercises for 3 months. Results Results revealed significant increase in the grip strength and different pinch grasps for dominant and non-dominant hands post-treatment in both groups as the main effect of time was statistically significant. Study group showed significant improvement than the control group post-treatment as the main effect of group and time × group interaction effect was statistically significant for dominant and non-dominant hands. Conclusion Shoulder stabilization exercises and regular vocational school activities have a positive effect on different grip strength in children with Down syndrome. Trial registration PACTR201907896910981. Registered 5 July 2019. A written consent form was introduced to all participant and signed by their parents.