Cognitive-motor training versus Pilates to improve balance in children with Down syndrome

Effect of Cognitive-motor Training Versus Pilates Exercises on Postural Stability in Children With Down Syndrome.

Not applicable Interventional Riphah International University · NCT07428837

This trial will test whether cognitive-motor training or Pilates helps improve balance in children aged 8 to 13 with Down syndrome.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment32 (estimated)
Ages8 Years to 13 Years
SexAll
SponsorRiphah International University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Islamabad)
Trial IDNCT07428837 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

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.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Islamabad

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions ChildrenPilates Down syndrome, cognitive-motor training exercises.postural stability,
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.