Effects of core stability exercises on balance among Chinese children and youth with intellectual disabilities

Background Children and youth with intellectual disabilities (IDs) are at risk of falls due to balance problems. Objective This study was conducted to assess the effects of six weeks of core stability exercises on balance in this population. Methods Thirty-five participants with IDs from a special school were selected. Static and dynamic balance were assessed by the one-legged stance test (OLS) and lower quarter Y balance test (YBT-LQ), respectively. Results Core stability exercises significantly improved static balance with eyes opened (EO) on firm (FI) ground ( t = −5.269, P < 0.001) and dynamic balance in all three directions (left leg: anterior: t = −3.197, P = 0.005; posteromedial: t = − 4.608, P < 0.001; posterolateral: t = −4.706, P < 0.001; right leg: anterior: t = −3.324, P = 0.004; posteromedial: t = −5.614, P < 0.001; posterolateral: t = −5.905, P < 0.001). Conclusions Six weeks of core stability exercises significantly improved the static balance of children and youth with IDs under EO and FI conditions, as well as all three directions of dynamic balance. Future studies with multiple measurement points are warranted to examine the long-term effectiveness of this training on balance in this population.