VIDEO GAME AS A PHYSICAL EXERCISE FOR PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDORME: CHANGES IN BODY MASS INDEX (BMI)

Abstract

Purpose: The use of virtual reality resources, video game or game therapy has been a dinamic alternative in the rehabilitation and physical exercise through interactive games in various populations, including people with Down Syndrome (DS). People with DS show propension to obesity among diverse associated pathologies. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of video game practice in the Body Mass Index (BMI) and the W/HR (waist/hips relation) in people with DS. Methods: Four people with DS participate in the study, their ages ranged from 17 to 36, 2 male and 2 female who frequenting the “Escola Especial Descobrindo o Mundo”, belongings to the Universidade de Franca. Initially each participants medical records were evaluated and posteriorly the anthropometric evaluation to calculate BMI and W/HR (waist/hips relation) before and after an intervention program with game therapy. The game therapy program consisted of 12 sessions of 20 minutes each, three times a week. Results: The results did not show alterations in BMI, however, there was a reduction in the W/HR for 2 female participants. Conclusion: This way, the game therapy provides benefits for people with DS, considering that despite the reduced intervention time, there was decrease of cardiovascular risk factor for the participants.