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Published on: January 16, 2019
Physical activity in infants with Down syndrome receiving a treadmill intervention
Rosa Angulo-Barroso1, Amy R Burghardt, Meghann Lloyd
1Motor Development Laboratory and Center for Motor Behavior and Pediatric Disabilities, Division of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, 401 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. rangulo@umich.edu
Higher intensity treadmill training (TMT) in infants with Down syndrome (DS) significantly increased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA-level) compared to lower intensity training. These benefits persisted post-intervention, suggesting TMT intensity is crucial for improving PA in infants with DS.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Physical Therapy
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Down Syndrome Research
Background:
- Physical activity is vital for child development and health, yet its assessment in infants, particularly those with Down syndrome (DS), remains challenging.
- Treadmill training (TMT) is a potential intervention to enhance physical activity levels (PA-level) in infants experiencing motor delays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of a higher intensity, individualized TMT protocol (HI) versus a lower intensity, generalized TMT protocol (LG) on PA-level in infants with DS.
- To determine if higher intensity TMT elicits immediate and short-term increases in PA-level in infants with DS.
Main Methods:
- Thirty infants with DS were randomized into either the LG or HI TMT group.
- Activity monitors assessed PA-level (separating sedentary-to-light activity [Lowact] and moderate-to-vigorous activity [Highact]) during intervention and at 1-year follow-up.
- Training ceased upon independent walking (three steps).
Main Results:
- Infants in the HI TMT group exhibited significantly higher levels of Highact compared to the LG group, excluding intervention-related activity.
- The LG group spent more time in Lowact than the HI group.
- The observed differences in PA-level were maintained at the 1-year post-intervention follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Higher intensity TMT is more effective in increasing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in infants with DS than lower intensity TMT.
- The positive effects of HI TMT on PA-level appear to be sustained long-term.
- Further research is warranted to explore the precise relationship between TMT intensity, PA-level, motor milestone achievement, and health benefits in infants with DS.
