ERIC Number: EJ1468738
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Mar
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1360-2322
EISSN: EISSN-1468-3148
Available Date: 2025-03-07
A Tele-Coaching Pilot Study: An Innovative Approach to Enhance Motor Skills in Adolescents with Down Syndrome
Matteo Giuriato1; Alessandro Gatti1; Vittoria Carnevale Pellino1; Alice Bianchi2; Sara Zanelli2; Agnese Pirazzi1; Caterina Cavallo1,3; Antonia Quatrale2; Alessandra Anna Gazzarri4; Matteo Vandoni1; Gianvincenzo Zuccotti2,5; Valeria Calcaterra2,6
Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, v38 n2 e70036 2025
Background: Limited knowledge exists regarding the effectiveness of training programmes for individuals with Down syndrome, particularly innovative approaches like tele-coaching. Our pilot study aimed to improve strength and balance using tele-coaching sessions in children with Down syndrome. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 18 children and adolescents (aged 9-17 years) with Down syndrome. The intervention consisted of a training programme based on games and was conducted remotely through an online platform (e-gym) 3 days per week (15 weeks). Participants engaged in playful activities targeting limb strength and balance. Results: We found an improvement in systolic blood pressure (p = 0.04) and balance (p = 0.002). Our analysis showed a non-significant decrease in adiposity parameters, including weight, BMI, BMI z-score, WC and WC/H. Conclusions: Our findings contribute to evidence supporting online exercise interventions for individuals with Down syndrome. Integrating these interventions into community support programmes could enhance access to tailored services.
Descriptors: Telecommunications, Coaching (Performance), Pilot Projects, Psychomotor Skills, Motor Development, Adolescents, Down Syndrome, Educational Innovation, Intervention, Training, Games, Play, Human Body, Outcomes of Treatment, Exercise, Access to Health Care
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www-wiley-com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; 2Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy; 3Department of Sport and Exercise Science, LUNEX International University of Health, Exercise and Sports, Differdange, Luxembourg; 4Associazione Vivi Down Onlus, Milan, Italy; 5Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; 6Pediatric and Adolescent Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy