Introduction: Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21, leading to developmental and motor impairments, reduced muscle tone, and poorer coordination. Individuals with DS often experience limited balance, which increases their risk of falls. A combination of balance-focused exercise and hippotherapy promotes proprioception and improves both static and dynamic balance. Purpose: The aim of this thesis was to evaluate, using statistical analysis of functional balance tests, the short-term effects of a balance-oriented physiotherapy program combined with hippotherapy on the static and dynamic components of balance in individuals with Down syndrome. Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, 45 participants were included and randomly assigned, using the principle of stratified randomization, into two experimental groups (R1: hippotherapy once per week, R2: hippotherapy twice per week) and a control group, in order to ensure group homogeneity. Before and after the intervention, participants underwent balance testing as part of the FUNfitness health program of Special Olympics Slovenia. Balance was assessed using the Y Balance Test and the modified Mini-BESTest. Results: At baseline, the groups were comparable (p > 0.05). After the intervention, R2 demonstrated statistically significant improvements in all Y-Balance Test parameters (p ≤ 0.001) and the modified Mini-BESTest, while R1 showed improvements that were not statistically significant. The control group showed progress only in selected tasks. Greater frequency of hippotherapy was associated with more pronounced improvements in functional balance. Discussion and conclusion: The combination of balance-oriented exercise and hippotherapy effectively improves static and dynamic balance in individuals with Down syndrome. The results highlight the importance of therapy intensity and provide valuable data for clinical practice and future research.
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