The Effectiveness of NDT to Improve Standing Balance in A 2-years-old Down Syndrome Child

Abstract

The purpose of this case study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Neuro Developmental Treatment to improve balance in a case of 2y-o girl with Down Syndrome. Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes an extra copy of chromosome 21. Even children with Down Syndrome will experience delays in the development of motor skills. This delay is related to the presence of hypotonus, joint laxity and medical problems in children with Down Syndrome. Because thes problems, children with Down Syndrome also improve problems in terms of balance and coordination. One method provided by physiotherapists in handling these cases is Neuro Developmental Treatment (NDT) which uses sensorimotor using primitive and reflex postural patterns. The ultimate goal in NDT interventions is a normal pattern of movement development. The purpose of this case study is to find out how effective the use of NDT is to improve standing balance in a case of 2 years old girl with Down Syndrome. The method used in this case study is an evidence-based case report. Search for evidence was carried out on three data bases namely, PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus. NDT was given once a week, 45 minutes for a session, using three techniques namely, inhibition, facilitation and stimulation for five weeks. Pediatric Balance Scale was used as the outcome measure of balance. After the intervention had been given, there is an increase in the PBS score from 7 to 14 points. Therefore, it can be concluded that NDT can increase the balance ability in children with Down Syndrome after 4 sessions of therapy