Why the study?
Does long-term exercise training improve physical fitness in adults with Down syndrome?
Does long-term exercise training improve physical fitness in adults with Down syndrome?
Long-term exercise training at higher weekly loads is associated with enhanced peak oxygen consumption and muscle strength in adults with Down syndrome.
Should not yet change practice in Down syndrome; leaves open causal benefits of long-term exercise.
The purpose was to compare physical fitness of two groups of adults with Down syndrome, one active group of Special Olympians (9 males, 4 females), and one sedentary group (5 males, and 2 females). The active group had trained for an average of 4.9 hr per week for a minimum of 1 year for Special Olympics competitions. Participants underwent laboratory testing, including (a) treadmill test to determine peak oxygen uptake; (b) isometric strength tests of handgrip, lower back, and quadriceps; (c) explosive power; and (d) body composition. Peak oxygen consumption and muscle strength were significantly greater in the active group. Although crossectional, these findings suggest that long term exercise training, at a greater than previously reported weekly training load, may enhance physical fitness in individuals with Down syndrome.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Guerra-Balic et al. (2000) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: