The effect of exercise intervention on daily life activities and social participation in individuals with Down syndrome: A systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundFew systematic reviews have looked at the effect of exercise intervention on activities of daily living and social participation in individuals with Down syndrome (DS) across the lifespan. AimsTo evaluate the research on the effectiveness of exercise intervention on daily life activities and participation in individuals with DS. Methods and proceduresStudies are from six electronic databases (CINHAL, Cochrane, ERIC, PEDro, PubMed, and PsycINFO) from 1987 to 2016. Nineteen studies met inclusion criteria. American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) levels of evidence and an Intervention Clinical Appraisal Form were used to independently assess study quality and outcome measures coded using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). Outcomes and resultsThere were 525 participants, age range, 3–65.5 years. The quality of the studies ranges from AACPDM Level I–IV and Intervention Clinical Appraisal Form scores of 4 to 10. A meta analysis was not conducted due to heterogenity of studies. Conclusions and implicationsExercise intervention was supported for both daily life activities and participation. Rigorous research studies are needed across the lifespan using objective outcome measures for ICF levels.