Exergaming for Physical Therapy in patients with Down Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

The aim of this systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis (MA) of randomised controlled trials was to analyse the effectiveness of exergaming on motor function in patients with Down syndrome compared to control. The SR was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. The search was conducted until July 2021 in: PubMed, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, BioMed Central and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). Study eligibility criteria were previously established according to the PICOS model. The PEDro scale was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies and the Cochrane Collaboration tool was used to assess the risk of bias. A MA using the standardised mean difference (SMD) and confidence interval (95% CI) was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software. Eight articles were included in both the SR and the MA. Statistical analysis showed favourable results of exergaming on balance (SMD = 2.72, 95% CI = 1.68-3.76), functional mobility (SMD = 4.14, 95% CI = 3.69-4.59) and muscle strength (SMD = 6.40, 95% CI = 2.68-10.11). No conclusive results were found on aerobic endurance. In conclusion, the results show the potential benefits of exergaming to recover motor functions in patients with Down syndrome, specifically in: balance, functional mobility and muscle strength. The findings suggest that exergaming could be a beneficial and accessible therapeutic option in physiotherapy for this population.