Abstract
This investigation evaluated the use of sensory information in maintaining stability in individuals with intellectual disabilities. Individuals with mild intellectual disabilities (MID; n = 8), Down syndrome (DS; N = 8), and without intellectual disabilities (WID; n = 8) were evaluated with computerized posturography using the Sensory Organization Test (SOT). Outcomes included an equilibrium composite score, equilibrium scores on six sensory conditions, and sensory ratios for visual, somatosensory, and vestibular systems. Participants were tested with their eyes open or closed while the visual surround, force plate, or combination of both moved to measure influence of sensory information on stability. Based on the data analysis, individuals WID utilize sensory information to a greater extent than did individuals with MID or DS, indicating that sensory information for maintaining stability is deficient among these individuals. To amend this problem and facilitate learning in individuals with intellectual disabilities, practitioners should utilize techniques that maximize variable practice activities using sensory information in different contexts.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
American Association on Intellectual Disabilities. (2002). Mental retardation definition, classification and systems of support. Washington DC: Author.
Aruin, A. S., Almeida, G. L., & Latash, M. L. (1996). Organization of a simple two joint synergy in individuals with Down syndrome. American Journal of Mental Retardation, 101, 256–268.
Boswell, B. (1991). Comparison of two method of comparing dynamic balance of mentally retarded children. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 73, 759–764.
Carmeli, E. S., Kessel, S., Coleman, R., & Ayalon, M. (2002). Effects of a treadmill walking program on muscle strength and balance in elderly people with Down Syndrome. Journal of Gerontology: Biological and Medical Sciences, 57, 106–110.
Connolly, B., & Michael, B. (1986). Performance of retarded children with and without Down syndrome on the Bruininks–Osteretcky test of motor proficiency. Physical Therapy, 66, 344–348.
Croce, R. (1993). A review of the neural basis of apractic disorders with implications for remediation. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 10, 173–215.
Croce, R., Horvat, M., & Roswal, G. (1995). Coincident timing by non-disabled, mentally retarded and traumatic brain-injured individuals under varying target-exposure conditions. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 80, 487–496.
Davis, W. E., Sparrow, W. A., & Ward, T. (1991). Fractionated reaction times and movement times of Down syndrome and other adults with mental retardation. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 8, 221–233.
Debu, B. (2004) Postural control: A limiting factor for the motor development of individuals with Down syndrome. European Bulletin Adapted Physical Activity 3, Issue 3.
Guskiewicz, K. M. (2001). Postural stability assessment following concussion: one piece of the puzzle. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, 11, 182–189.
Guskiewicz, K. M., Riemann, B. R., Perrin, D. H., & Nashner, L. (2001). Alternative approaches to the assessment of head injury in athletes. Medical and Science in Sports and Exercise, 29(7), 213–221.
Hatzitaki, V., Zisi, V., Kollias, I., & Kioumourtzoglou, E. (2002). Perceptual-motor control to static and dynamic balance control in children. Journal of Motor Behavior, 34(2), 161–170.
Horvat, M., & Croce, R. (1995). Physical rehabilitation of individuals with intellectual disabilities: physical fitness and information processing. Critical Review of Physical Rehabilitation Medicine, 7, 233–252.
Horvat, M., Ramsey, V., Amestoy, R., & Croce, R. (2003). Muscle activation and movement responses in youth with and without intellectual disabilities. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 74(3), 319–323.
Lalo, E., & Debu, B. (2003). Visuospatial attention and motor preparation in individuals with Down syndrome. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 20, 134–139.
Latash, M. L. (2000). Motor coordination in Down syndrome: The role of adaptive changes. In D. J. Weeks, R. Chu & D. Elliot (Eds.), Perceptual motor behavior in Down syndrome (pp. 199–248). Champaign: Human Kinetics.
NeuroCom International. (2000). Objective qualification of balance and mobility (pp. 6–10). Clackamas: NeuroCom International.
NeuroCom International. (2001) Clackamas, OR: NeuroCom International, 5–8.
Polastri, P. F., & Barela, J. A. (2005). Perception-action coupling in infants with Down syndrome: effects of experience and practice. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 20, 39–56.
Shumway-Cook, A., & Woollacott, M. H. (1985). Dynamics of postural control in children with Down syndrome. Physical Therapy, 65, 1315–1322.
Shumway-Cook, A., & Woollacott, M. H. (2006). Motor control: Translating research into clinical practice (3rd ed.). Baltimore: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Smail, K. M., & Horvat, M. (2005) Effect of balance training on individuals with intellectual disabilities. Clinical Kinesiology 43–47.
Smail, K. M., & Horvat, M. (2006). The relationship of muscular strength on work performance in high school students with mental retardation. Education and Training in Mental Retardation and Developmental Disability, 41(4), 409–418.
Tsimaras, V. K., & Fotiadou, E. G. (2004). Effect of training on the muscle strength and dynamic balance ability of adults with Down syndrome. Journal of Strength Conditioning Research, 18, 343–348.
Wade, M. G., Emmerick, R. V., & Kernozek, T. W. (2000). Atypical dynamics of motor behavior in down syndrome. In D. J. Weeks, R. Chu & D. Elliott (Eds.), Perceptual motor behavior in Down syndrome (pp. 277–303). Champaign: Human Kinetics.
Wang, W., & Ju, Y. (2002). Promoting balance and jumping skills in children with Down syndrome. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 94, 443–444.
Zagrodnik, J., & Horvat, M. (2009). Chronic exercise and developmental disabilities. In T. McMorris, P. Tomporowski & M. Audiffen (Eds.), Exercise and cognition (pp. 269–282). Hoboken: John Wiley Pub.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Horvat, M., Croce, R. & Zagrodnik, J. Utilization of Sensory Information in Intellectual Disabilities. J Dev Phys Disabil 22, 463–473 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-009-9182-4
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-009-9182-4