Can balance training help children with developmental disorders improve their motor skills?

Balance training (BT) is a targeted intervention that can help children with developmental disorders improve their motor performance. These children often experience impairments in motor skills, making specific training programs a priority for their development.

What the research says

A systematic review of 22 randomized controlled trials found that balance training produced moderate improvements in several areas for children with developmental or health-related conditions. These improvements included static balance, dynamic balance, functional balance, and gross motor function ². While fewer studies focused specifically on muscle strength and coordination, those that did reported positive effects ².

Specific studies on children with cerebral palsy, a condition often associated with developmental disorders, also show positive results. One study found that children who received dynamic postural stability training showed significant improvements in balance control and gait parameters, such as step length and walking speed, compared to those receiving only traditional physical therapy ⁶. Another study compared a specialized balance system to conventional training and found that both methods significantly improved balance scores and gross motor skills, with the specialized system showing significant improvements in specific outcome measures ⁵.

What to ask your doctor

• What specific types of balance training are most appropriate for my child's unique needs?
• Can balance training help improve my child's gross motor functions or gait?
• Are there specific tools or systems, such as stability systems, that could enhance the effectiveness of physical therapy?
• How often should my child participate in balance training to see measurable improvements?