Honors Theses
Advisor
Gerry Gallo, M.S., CSCS, and Matthew Beerse, Ph.D.
Department
Health and Sport Science
Publication Date
4-22-2026
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Abstract
Millions of adults live with intellectual disabilities and associated motor impairments such as reduced muscle tone, decreased strength, and impaired balance. These physical limitations can interfere with independence and the ability to perform activities of daily living including dressing, walking, laundry, and shopping. Previous research has demonstrated that strength training can improve muscular strength, stability, and reduce fall risk. Targeted balance training may further enhance functional mobility and postural control. This 12-week study included 2 weeks of pre-testing, 8 weeks of training, and 2 weeks of post-testing. The study examined the effects of strength training alone compared to combined strength and balance training in adults with intellectual disabilities. Thirty-six participants were randomly assigned to either a control group (strength-only) or an experimental group (strength plus balance training). Three validated balance assessments- dynamic single leg stance, postural sway measured on a force plate, and functional reach test- were performed before and after the intervention. A two-way repeated measures ANCOVA was used to analyze differences between groups over time. Results indicated that no adverse events occurred during the training protocol and participants were able to successfully progress through the prescribed exercises. Participants in both groups demonstrated improvements in balance ability over the course of the program. However, no significant differences were observed between the strength-only and combined strength-balance training groups. These findings suggest that structured strength training programs may improve balance and postural control in adults with intellectual disabilities. While the addition of balance training did not produce significantly greater improvements compared to strength training alone, incorporating balance exercises may still be beneficial for supporting functional mobility and independence in this population.
Permission Statement
This item is protected by copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) and may only be used for noncommercial, educational, and scholarly purposes.
Keywords
Undergraduate research
eCommons Citation
Zolikoff, Justina, "Enhancing Balance in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: Comparing Strength Training and Combined Strength-Balance Training" (2026). Honors Theses. 528.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/uhp_theses/528
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