Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
Volume
37
Issue
12
First Page
E646
Last Page
E655
PubMed ID
38015740
Publisher
National Strength and Conditioning Association / Wolters Kluwer
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences / Exercise Medicine Research Institute
RAS ID
64683
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal disorder diagnosed in the United States since 2014. There is a wide range of intellectual severities, with the average IQ of individuals with DS at approximately 50 and adults without intellectual delay at approximately 70-130. Individuals with DS vary from mild to severe cognitive impairment, depending on the phenotypic penetration on the 21st chromosome, with the average cognitive capacity equivalent to a cognitive functioning of an 8- to 9-year-old child. To have successful health, all aspects of health must be considered (i.e., overall health, fitness, and social). Both aerobic training and resistance training (RT) are favored for a healthy lifestyle. Resistance training specifically can help improve motor function and overall activities of daily living. Although many motivational and environmental barriers for individuals with DS can make exercising difficult, there are many ways to overcome those barriers (both intrinsically and extrinsically). Individuals with DS should strive for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise a week or a combination of both. The individual should also strive for 2 or more days a week of strengthening activities, such as RT, involving all muscle groups. These activities will help improve many aspects of life, leading to a better quality of life. Regular group exercise activity can help increase self-confidence and success socially in life. This review will focus on the underlying biological mechanisms related to DS, their influence on exercise, and the roles exercise plays in mediating positive health, physical fitness, and social lifestyle outcomes.
DOI
10.1519/JSC.0000000000004658
Comments
This is a non-final version of an article published in final form in (Post, E. M., & Kraemer, W. J. (2023). Physiological mechanisms that impact exercise adaptations for individuals with down syndrome. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 37(12), e646-e655. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004658)
Post, E. M., & Kraemer, W. J. (2023). Physiological mechanisms that impact exercise adaptations for individuals with down syndrome. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 37(12), e646-e655. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004658