Abstract:

Objective To systematically review the evidence from systematic reviews on the effect of physical activity interventions on motor skills and balance function in children and adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Methods Literature was searched across databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL and CNKI for systematic reviews on the effect of physical activity on motor skills and balance function in children and adolescents with IDD. The search period covered from January, 2016 to July, 2024.

Results A total of eight articles were included, originating from Canada, China, the United States and Serbia, involving 3 315 children and adolescents with IDD aged three to 18 years. These studies covered conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Down syndrome and other developmental disorders. The articles were primarily published in journals from fields such as physical therapy, child and adolescent psychiatry, kinesiology and health psychology. The interventions were categorized into five types: balance and coordination training, aerobic exercise, strength training, motor skills training and ball activities, and structured combination physical activity interventions. Intervention programs typically lasted 30 to 240 minutes per session, one to seven sessions per week, for four to 32 weeks. Balance and coordination training improved both static and dynamic balance in children and adolescents with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities. Aerobic exercise improved response time, physical fitness and motor skills in children and adolescents with ASD and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Strength training enhanced muscle strength, stability and motor coordination in children and adolescents with IDD. Motor skills training and ball activities improved motor coordination and fine motor in children and adolescents with ASD and intellectual disabilities. Structured combination interventions improved balance and coordination in children and adolescents with ASD and intellectual disabilities.

Conclusion Physical activity interventions play a positive role on motor skills and balance function in children and adolescents with IDD, especially in motor skills, balance function, muscle strength, stability and motor coordination.

Key words: intellectual and developmental disabilities, children, adolescents, physical activity, motor skills, balance function, systematic review