Animal Fun play program to improve movement sense in children with Down syndrome
Effects of Animal Fun Program on Kinesthesia in Children With Down Syndrome
This study will try adding animal-themed play exercises to see if they improve body movement sense (kinesthesia) in children aged 6–9 with Down syndrome.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 26 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 9 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07579559 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This quasi-experimental study will recruit 26 children with Down syndrome and deliver a modified Animal Fun program over 8 weeks (four sessions per week) at Step Up Rehabilitation Centre in Lahore. Kinesthetic outcomes will be measured before and after the program using a joint position sense test with a goniometer. Participants must have parental consent and meet inclusion/exclusion criteria (no major neurological, musculoskeletal, sensory, or recent surgical issues). The protocol focuses on structured play activities designed to enhance proprioceptive input and gross motor coordination in a clinical rehabilitation setting.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children aged 6 to 9 years with a diagnosis of Down syndrome whose parents provide consent and who can attend all scheduled sessions are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children with coexisting neurological or musculoskeletal disorders, significant visual or hearing impairments, behavioral/psychiatric conditions, recent orthopedic/neurosurgical interventions, or those unable to attend regularly may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve kinesthetic awareness and gross motor function, helping children take part more easily in physical activities and daily tasks.
How similar studies have performed: Play-based Animal Fun programs have improved motor skills in typically developing children, but adding animal interaction specifically to target proprioception in children with Down syndrome has not been previously studied.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children aged 6 to 9 years * Diagnosed with Down's Syndrome * Both male and female will be included * Parental/Guardian Consent or Written informed consent must be obtained from parents or legal guardians. * Regular Attendance or Availability and willingness to participate in all scheduled sessions of the Animal Fun Program. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of Neurological and Musculoskeletal Disorders * Visual or Hearing Impairments * Behavioral or Psychiatric Conditions * Recent Orthopedic or Neurosurgical Interventions * Irregular Attendance Risk
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province
- Step up Rehabilitation centre — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sadia Khan, MS-PT — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Imran Amjad, Phd
- Email: imranamjad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 92332243390125
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.