The effect of exergaming on balance among children with intellectual disability

Background: Intellectual disability (ID) is associated with balance and motor coordination challenges, leading to increased fall risk and limitations in daily activities. Traditional occupational therapy interventions have shown efficacy in addressing these issues, but there is a growing interest in integrating modern technologies, such as exergaming, into therapeutic programs. Exergaming combines physical activity with interactive video games, potentially enhancing motivation and engagement among children with ID. This study focuses on assessing the impact of exergaming on improving balance in children with ID, an area that remains underexplored in the Indian context. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of an exergaming intervention on improving balance in clients with intellectual disabilities. Materials and methods: The study involved 30 children aged 6-12 years diagnosed with mild to moderate ID. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group (N=15) received exergaming-based balance training, and the control group (N=15) underwent conventional occupational therapy. Both groups participated in 36 sessions over three months, each lasting 45 minutes. Balance was assessed using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) before and after the intervention. The PBS includes 14 tasks that evaluate balance through various daily activities, with scores ranging from 0 (unable to perform) to 4 (independent). Results: The results demonstrated a significant improvement in balance for both groups. However, the experimental group, which engaged in exergaming, showed a more substantial improvement in PBS scores, increasing from a mean of 29.07 to 41.93. In contrast, the control group’s mean PBS score increased from 28.13 to 33.73. Statistical analysis confirmed that the improvement in the experimental group was significantly more significant (p<0.001), indicating the added benefit of exergaming in enhancing balance among children with ID. Conclusion: The results indicate that exergaming is an effective intervention for improving balance in children with intellectual disabilities, as it offers engaging, challenging, and play-based therapy. Enhancing balance and postural control may also lead to broader physical and cognitive benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health, muscular strength, and cognitive processing. These improvements can further support functional independence, promoting inclusivity and better community engagement. Ultimately, this study highlights the potential of exergaming to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities, fostering their overall well-being and quality of life.