An exploratory study of the association between physical activity, cardiovascular fitness and body size in children with Down syndrome

Shields, Nora; Hussey, Juliette; Murphy, Joan; Gormley, John; Hoey, Hilary

doi:10.3109/17518423.2015.1077901

Cited by 16 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 48 publications

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“…Furthermore, associations between MVPA and body fat percentages trended toward statistical significance ( r = −.362 to −.388, p < .10). Conversely, the association between MVPA and BMI or BMI percentile ( r = −.187 and −.137, respectively) were weak and non-significant, yet similar to previously reported associations in youth with DS ranging from r = −.05 to −.30 (18–20). Despite vigorous physical activity being the only classification of physical activity to produce significant correlations with body composition, the associations with MVPA were much stronger with body fat percentage from DXA than traditional BMI metrics.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 85%

Association between Physical Activity and Adiposity in Adolescents with Down Syndrome

Pitchford

Adkins

Hasson

et al. 2018

Medicine &Amp; Science in Sports &Amp; Exercise

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 85%

Association between Physical Activity and Adiposity in Adolescents with Down Syndrome

Pitchford

Adkins

Hasson

et al. 2018

Medicine &Amp; Science in Sports &Amp; Exercise

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“…The few studies that have been undertaken included participants with mild to moderate ID. Results on the relationship between physical fitness and activity were inconclusive: two studies found an association between moderate and/or vigorous physical activity and muscular and/or cardiorespiratory fitness [42,43] and one did not find a significant relationship [44]. Physical fitness and motor competence were related in youth with ID in two studies [45,46], but again, no information is available on this relationship for children with more severe ID.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Physical fitness of children and adolescents with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities

Wouters

Evenhuis

Hilgenkamp

2019

Disability and Rehabilitation

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Background: Low levels of physical fitness are associated with low physical and mental health. The aims of this study were to assess the health-related physical fitness of children with intellectual disability (ID), and study the association of physical activity and motor development with physical fitness. Methods: One hundred and twenty-eight children with moderate to severe ID (83 boys; age 2-18 years) visiting specialised day programme centres engaged in field-based physical fitness tests (body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and cardiorespiratory fitness). Scores were compared to reference values, and with linear regression analysis the association between the fitness outcomes and physical activity and motor development was studied. Results: High rates of overweight (23-25%) and obesity (10-15%) were found. A majority of the participants (71-91%) scored below reference values for muscular strength, endurance, and cardiorespiratory fitness tests. Physical activity and motor development were positively associated with scores on several fitness test (b ¼ 0.27-0.44; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Children with moderate to severe ID visiting specialised day programme centres have strikingly low physical fitness levels. Policies and interventions to increase the physical fitness for this specific group of children are urgently needed, in which increasing physical activity and motor skills are expected to be effective components. ä IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Strikingly low levels of physical fitness were seen in children and adolescents with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities. This vulnerable group is in need of appropriate interventions to increase their physical fitness levels. Increasing the physical activity is a potential component in these interventions. Improving motor development will most likely lead to improved physical fitness as well.

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“…Although the evidence provided by Shields et al (2017) suggests that body composition is inversely associated with aerobic fitness, the research study design (observational) limits the significance of the findings. Despite this, the findings of Shields et al (2017) nevertheless motivate exercise interventions for PWDS. Silva et al’s (2017) study is the only randomised controlled study that was included in this review; the study demonstrates that regular aerobic exercise increased the aerobic capacity of PWDS and thus warrants validation through more randomised controlled trials.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The poor catecholamine (epinephrine and norepinephrine) response to peak exercise among PWDS suggests that this may be the principal reason for the low peak heart rates and poor aerobic capacity during exercise of PWDS (Fernhall et al 2009). Shields et al (2017) reported that PWDS who were aerobically fitter had smaller waist circumferences and a lower BMI. Although the evidence provided by Shields et al (2017) suggests that body composition is inversely associated with aerobic fitness, the research study design (observational) limits the significance of the findings.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Shields et al (2017) reported that PWDS who were aerobically fitter had smaller waist circumferences and a lower BMI. Although the evidence provided by Shields et al (2017) suggests that body composition is inversely associated with aerobic fitness, the research study design (observational) limits the significance of the findings. Despite this, the findings of Shields et al (2017) nevertheless motivate exercise interventions for PWDS.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The health benefits of exercise therapy for patients with Down syndrome: A systematic review

et al. 2019

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BackgroundMany patients with Down syndrome (PWDS) have poor cardiometabolic risk profiles, aerobic capacities and weak hypotonic muscles, primarily because of physical inactivity and poor diet.ObjectivesThis study discusses the benefits of exercise therapy on body composition, aerobic capacity, muscle strength, proprioception and cardiometabolic profiles of PWDS.MethodsA literature review using the Crossref metadatabase, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), focusing on the period 2007-2018, was undertaken. Each record was judged adopting the modified Downs and Black Appraisal Scale. The literature investigation identified 15 701 records. Records were excluded if they were published before 2007, pertained to the impact of exercise on intellectual disabilities beyond Down syndrome or the impact of medical, pharmaceutical, nutrition and psychological interventions among PWDS and were published in languages besides English. Nineteen articles were synthesised into this commentary.ResultsPWDS have a heightened cardiometabolic risk profile and high oxidative stress associated with elevated insulin resistance, poor insulin sensitivity, atherosclerosis and hypertension. PWDS have low aerobic capacity (VO2max), peak heart rates, muscle strength, agility and balance. Regular physical activity is beneficial to improve their VO2max and muscle strength. Moreover, regular physical activity reduces lipid peroxidation and arterial cell wall damage, the pathogenesis of atheroma is limited.ConclusionExercise therapy compliance seems to have a positive impact on the cardiometabolic risk profile, muscle strength and aerobic work capacity of PWDS. Nonetheless, additional vigorous experimental investigations are necessary to better understand the effect of exercise therapy on the aerobic, strength, proprioception and cardiometabolic risk profile of PWDS.

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An exploratory study of the association between physical activity, cardiovascular fitness and body size in children with Down syndrome

Abstract: Preliminary evidence suggests physical activity may not be associated with either body size or fitness in children with Down syndrome. Body size appears to be inversely related to fitness in children with Down syndrome.

Cited by 16 publications

References 48 publications

Association between Physical Activity and Adiposity in Adolescents with Down Syndrome

Association between Physical Activity and Adiposity in Adolescents with Down Syndrome

Physical fitness of children and adolescents with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities

The health benefits of exercise therapy for patients with Down syndrome: A systematic review

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