Abstract
The aim of this study was to estimate the influence of a 33-week swimming program on aerobic capacity, muscle strength, balance, flexibility, and body composition of adolescents with Down syndrome (DS). Twenty-two adolescents diagnosed with DS were randomly allocated into the training group (T) and the control group (C). The T group participated in 33 weeks of water-based exercise and a swimming program while the control group maintained their normal daily activity. Following thirty-three weeks of swimming program, body mass, body fat, and BMI of the T group decreased significantly (from 56.8 ± 7.97 kg to 55.0 ± 7.11 kg, from 15.1 ± 4.47 kg to 13.2 ± 3.92 kg, and from 25.1 ± 2.37 to 24.0 ± 2.05, respectively) while a significant increase was recorded in C (from 57.3 ± 8.43 kg to 59.7 ± 8.29 kg, from 14.5 ± 2.76 kg to 16.0 ± 3.11 kg, and from 25.4 ± 2.46 to 26.0 ± 2.72, respectively). Moreover, significant improvement in aerobic capacity in the T group was noted; VO2max (mL/kg/min) increased by 16.3% in T and decreased by 4.8% in C. Improvement in static arm strength, trunk strength and endurance/functional strength were noted in T, while the parameters did not change in C. The speed of arm movement, balance and flexibility did not change following the intervention. Also, the aquatic skills improved significantly in the training group. Changes in C were not significant. The results of our study indicate that 33-week swimming program significantly improved health status and swimming skills in adolescents with DS.
Highlights
Adolescents with Down syndrome (DS), compared to their healthy peers, are more likely to suffer from overweight and obesity [1]
Relative changes in body mass, body fat, and BMI noted in T were significantly different than those observed in C (Table 2)
Our results are consistent with Suarez-Villadat et al [30] conclusions, who showed that a 36-week swimming program resulted in a decrease in the levels of body fat and BMI in a sample of adolescents with DS
Summary
Adolescents with Down syndrome (DS), compared to their healthy peers, are more likely to suffer from overweight and obesity [1]. Overweight/obesity and low physical activity significantly increase the risk of mortality and many serious diseases [2]. Cardiovascular diseases (mitral value prolapse, endocarditis, atherosclerosis and congestive heart failure [3]), pulmonary hypoplasia, muscle hypotonia, osteoporosis, arthritis, osteoarthritis, and diabetes mellitus [4,5] are more common in people with DS compared to healthy ones. Adolescents with DS have lower aerobic capacity than adolescents without DS. It is important to point out that low aerobic capacity has been strongly linked to morbidity and mortality among individuals with DS [6,8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International journal of environmental research and public health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
