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Effect of balance training on static balance in an adult with dravet syndrome: (Bachelor thesis)

Κιόρρι, Θεοδώρα/ Qorri, Theodora

Dravet syndrome is a rare and severe form of childhood epileptic syndrome, accompanied by cognitive dysfunction, motor disorders, balance problems and muscle weakness that significantly affect the patients' functionality and quality of life. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of an exercise program on the static balance of an adult individual with Dravet syndrome. A 21-year-old male (height: 1.96 cm and body weight: 80 kg) diagnosed with Dravet syndrome participated in the study. The interventional exercise program was implemented at a frequency of 3 times per week and a total of 20 sessions of 45-60 minutes were conducted. Each session included: a) warm-up (10'), b) static and dynamic balance, coordination, double-target exercises (20-25'), c) lower limb strengthening exercises (10-15') and d) recovery (5-10'). Before the start and immediately after the completion of the interventional exercise program, the patient was assessed in balance ability using 2 dynamometers (2000 Hz). Balance tests were applied from a two-legged, one-legged and tandem position in three different sensory modulation conditions (eyes open, eyes closed and eyes open using a dome). The parameters evaluated were related to the behavior of the center of pressure in both the anteroposterior and transverse axes in each of the balance conditions evaluated. The results of the study showed a remarkable improvement in all balance parameters assessed after the implementation of the interventional exercise program. Thus, a combined exercise program that focuses on balance in combination with muscle strengthening exercises may cause an improvement in the static balance of a person with Dravet syndrome.