Exploring the Impact of Adaptive Behaviors on Balance: A Comparative Analysis of Static and Dynamic Balance in Athletes With and Without Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

.

Background Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) shows less development on their motor skills. Understanding the interaction between intellectual and physical performance will provide valuable information for the design of personalized interventions and support programs able to enhance active participation of these individuals.

Method A descriptive-analytical study with 93 participants (59 with ID) was designed to evaluate both static and dynamic balance in athletes. In addition, the relationship between balance and adaptive behaviors was analyzed to determine whether static and dynamic balance is affected to a greater or lesser extent depending on the level of adaptive skills or intellectual capacity.

Results Significant differences were found in balance's variables between individuals with and without ID. IQ measurements (processing speed) and adaptive behaviors showed a correlation with some balance variables. In athletes with less ID levels, the correlation between balance and adaptive behaviors is more notable.

Conclusions There are clear differences in both static and dynamic balance between individuals with and without intellectual disabilities. In addition, the level of adaptive skills and processing speed is related to balance, with those having lower levels of adaptive skills experiencing greater difficulties in maintaining better balance