Improvement of gross motor and cognitive abilities by an exercise training program: three case reports

Abstract

BackgroundThis work examined the efficacy of an integrated exercise training program (coach and family) in three children with Down syndrome to improve their motor and cognitive abilities, in particular reaction time and working memory.MethodsThe integrated exercise training program was used in three children with Down syndrome, comprising two boys (M1, with a chronological age of 10.3 years and a mental age of 4.7 years; M2, with a chronological age of 14.6 years and a mental age of less than 4 years) and one girl (F1, chronological age 14.0 years and a mental age of less than 4 years).ResultsImprovements in gross motor ability scores were seen after the training period. Greater improvements in task reaction time were noted for both evaluation parameters, ie, time and omissions.ConclusionThere is a close interrelationship between motor and cognitive domains in individuals with atypical development. There is a need to plan intervention programs based on the simultaneous involvement of child and parents and aimed at promoting an active lifestyle in individuals with Down syndrome.

Physical Activity Engagement in Young People with Down Syndrome: Investigating Parental Beliefs

“…The direct consequence is to decrease or limit the participation of their sons to PA (Alesi et al . ).…”

“…In this context, the present authors examined the efficacy of an integrated exercise training programme (coach and family) on three children with Down syndrome and the present authors recorded improvements in gross‐motor abilities and in reaction time scores after the training period (Alesi et al . ;).…”

Designed game situations enhance fundamental movement skills in children with Down syndrome

“…Despite few studies demonstrated the game effectiveness for FMS development (e.g. Alesi et al 2014;Capio et al 2015), most of APE programs are still conventional. Thus, it is important to bring more empirical proofs to identify the best way to teach APE and develop FMS in children with DS.…”

Conhecimento Da Habilidade Motora E Fatores Clinicos De Crianças Com Sindrome De Down E a Sobrecarga De Seus Cuidadores

“…As alterações clínicas do grupo estudado corroboram as alterações presentes em outras investigações (16)(17)(18) , como as endocrinológicas, oftalmológicas, gastrointestinais, auditivas, imunológicas, além da epilepsia e da doença de Alzheimer, que foram reportadas por estudos de mães que identificavam em seus filhos com SD, um organismo mais frágil e sensível que as demais crianças. No presente estudo, avaliou-se a sobrecarga dos cuidadores e a relação desse desfecho em várias faixas etárias.…”