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Physical activity may promote health status of individuals with Down syndrome: It's key role in obesity

Abstract:

Current findings suggest that more attention needs to be given to the increase in body mass being achieved by disabled populations in general and individuals with mental retardation in particular, to minimize long-term negative health consequences. In this line it is argued that increasing levels of moderate physical activity among people with intellectual disabilities, such as Down syndrome, would be the single most effective way of improving the health of people with intellectual disabilities. Accordingly, it would be of interest to design adequate strategies based on physical activities that may be easily performed to ensure its adquisition as a healthy lifestyle choice for these populations. The aerobic training program that is worldwide recommended consists of 12 weeks, 3 days a week for 45-minutes per session at an intensity of approximately 60-75% peak HR. Compared to control subjects, the training group improves significantly in fat mass percentage and cardiovascular fitness. When combined to anaerobic exercises it also improves muscular strength and bone density what may finally play an important role in functional independence and quality of life. In any case, these physical activity programs may also promote social integration. Taking into account the good results showed by systematic and well-designed aerobic training programs in indivuduals with Down syndrome, further studies concerning other handicapped-populations are required.