Cognitive-motor training versus Pilates to improve balance in children with Down syndrome
Official title: Effect of Cognitive-motor Training Versus Pilates Exercises on Postural Stability in Children With Down Syndrome.
Run by Riphah International University · NCT07428837 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether cognitive-motor training or Pilates helps improve balance in children aged 8 to 13 with Down syndrome.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 8 Years to 13 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Islamabad) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 29, 2025 |
| Main results expected | February 20, 2026 |
| Study ends | February 23, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07428837 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children aged 8–13 years with a diagnosis of Down syndrome who can stand and walk independently and can follow simple instructions are the intended participants.
✕Probably not a fit
Children with severe intellectual disability, major heart problems, significant visual or hearing impairments, musculoskeletal/mobility disorders, epilepsy, or atlantoaxial instability are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized clinical trial will enroll 32 children with Down syndrome at City Hospital, Mirpur AJK and randomly assign them to eight weeks of either cognitive-motor training or Pilates exercises. Interventions include dual-task locomotor and object-control activities for the cognitive-motor group and classic Pilates movements (bridging, hundred, single leg circles, alternate toe taps, wall ball squats) for the Pilates group. Postural stability will be measured at baseline and after treatment using the Pediatric Balance Scale and the Trunk Control Measurement Scale. Participants with major cardiac defects, visual or hearing impairments, musculoskeletal mobility disorders, epilepsy signs, or atlantoaxial instability are excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, the program could improve postural stability and everyday mobility for children with Down syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous small studies and clinical reports suggest balance training and Pilates-type exercises can help motor control in people with Down syndrome, but direct comparisons with cognitive-motor training are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients diagnosed with Down syndrome. * Age between 8 to 13 years. * Patient able to understand instructions necessary for intervention. * Independent standing and walking abilities. * Both the genders will included. Exclusion Criteria: * Severe mental retardation. * Any heart deficit. * Visual impairments. * Musculoskeletal or mobility disorder. * Hearing impairements. * Signs of epilepsy or instability of atlanto axial joint.
Where it's running
-
Bilal Hussain
Islamabad, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Farah Noreen, Ms-Pt — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: IMRAN AMJAD, PhD
- Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 9233224390125
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.