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Physical aptitudes to exertion in children with Down's syndrome
Y Eberhard1, J Eterradossi, B Rapacchi
1Centre de Recherche en STAPS (RESACT.SPORT), Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, France.
Journal of Mental Deficiency Research
|April 1, 1989
Summary
Individuals with Down syndrome exhibit low physical fitness due to apathy and physiological impairments. Studies show reduced exercise capacity and altered cardiovascular responses in this population, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Human Physiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Individuals with Down syndrome often display apathy towards physical activity.
- Understanding the physiological basis of their reduced physical fitness is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological characteristics of physical exercise in individuals with Down syndrome.
- To compare exercise responses between subjects with Down syndrome and a control group.
Main Methods:
- Ten untrained subjects with Down syndrome and a control group underwent testing.
- Tests included measurements at rest and after exercise on a bicycle ergometer.
Main Results:
- Subjects with Down syndrome showed a lower orthostatic index at rest.
- They exhibited lower maximal oxygen consumption, shorter performance time, and lower maximal workload.
- Higher urinary catecholamines excretion and irregular blood pressure response to workload were observed.
Conclusions:
- Low physical fitness in Down syndrome is attributed to both motivational factors and physiological impairments.
- These findings suggest specific physiological limitations affecting exercise capacity in individuals with Down syndrome.