Physical activity in infants with Down syndrome receiving a treadmill intervention

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.