Abstract
Introduction and goal: Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects individuals' cognitive, social, and motor abilities in various ways. The present study aimed to examine the impact of perceptual-motor exercises on enhancing mental focus and improving social development in students with Down syndrome in Kangavar.
Research methodology: This research was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design. The selected sample consisted of 14 students with Down syndrome from Kangavar, who were chosen using convenience sampling. These participants were divided into two groups: the experimental group (7 participants) and the control group (7 participants). Data were collected using the Vineland Social Maturity Scale and the Toulouse-Pieron Mental Focus Test. The experimental group underwent perceptual-motor exercises in a group format. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (Analysis of Covariance).
Findings: The findings indicated a significant relationship between perceptual-motor exercises and social development and mental focus in both the experimental and control groups (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:. The results suggest that perceptual-motor exercises have a positive impact on the social development and mental focus of children with Down syndrome. These findings emphasize the importance of designing and implementing special educational programs to improve mental and social skills, particularly for children with intellectual disabilities, especially those with Down syndrome.