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Updated: May 25, 2026
09:45
Measuring Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Activity in Children
Published on: April 29, 2013
Adults with Down syndrome have reduced cardiac response after light exercise testing
J C Vis1, H A C M De Bruin-Bon, B J Bouma
1Department of Cardiology, Academic Medical Centre, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Summary
Adults with Down syndrome (DS) show a reduced cardiac response to exercise, with significantly lower cardiac index (CI) and stroke volumes post-exertion. Their heart rate response is also insufficient, indicating diminished physical fitness in this population.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Exercise Physiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Physical fitness is often reduced in adults with Down syndrome (DS).
- Understanding the exercise response is crucial for managing health in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the exercise response in adults with Down syndrome.
- To compare cardiac function during exercise between adults with DS and controls.
Main Methods:
- A case-controlled before-after trial was conducted.
- Echocardiography was used to measure cardiac index (CI) at rest and during exercise.
- Participants included adults with DS, non-DS adults with intellectual disability, and controls.
Main Results:
- At rest, mean CI was similar between groups.
- After exercise, mean CI was significantly lower in adults with DS compared to controls.
- Adults with DS exhibited significantly lower stroke volumes and an insufficient heart rate response to exercise.
Conclusions:
- Adults with DS have a diminished cardiac response to exercise, despite similar resting CI.
- Lower stroke volumes and absent compensatory heart rate increases contribute to reduced exercise capacity in DS.
- These findings highlight the need for tailored exercise interventions for adults with Down syndrome.
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