Physical Fitness Predicts Functional Tasks in Individuals with Down Syndrome

Cowley, Patrick M.; Ploutz‐Snyder, Lori L.; Baynard, Tracy; Heffernan, Kevin S.; Jae, Sae Young; Hsu, Sharon; Lee, Mi-Young; Pitetti, Kenneth H.; Reiman, Michael P.; Fernhall, Bo

doi:10.1249/mss.0b013e3181b07e7a

Cited by 116 publications

(121 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…The relationship between physical fitness and functional capacity Morey et al (1998) (Cowley et al, 2010;Arena et al, 2007;Morey et al, 1998). Cowley et al (2010) performed a study on 35 young DS adults and determined whether physical fitness predicts timed performance of functional tasks.…”

Section: Bmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Cowley et al (2010) performed a study on 35 young DS adults and determined whether physical fitness predicts timed performance of functional tasks. Cowley et al (2010) argued that identifying predictors of function is very important (especially if they are variables of physical fitness), because they can be used to modify the ability to perform functional tasks.…”

Section: Bmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These programs are central modifiers to functional capacity (Cowley et al, 2010;Shields et al, 2008;Carmeli et al, 2002 b ). Specifically, Morey et al (1998) found that cardiorespiratory, morphologic and muscular strength are all directly associated with functional limitations.…”

Section: F Training Of Functional Capacitymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Numerous research studies have been performed to determine the aerobic capacity Tsimaras et al, 2003), strength capacity (Shields et al, 2008;Tsimaras et al, 2004), balance and coordination (Carmeli et al, 2002 b ;Wang et al, 2002), and functional capacity (Cowley et al, 2010;Shields et al, 2008) of DS individuals.…”

Section: B Summary Of the Literaturementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Specifically, Cowley et al (2010) and Baynard et al (2008) stated that DS individuals exhibit severe reductions in aerobic capacity similarly to the frail and aged. This is disturbing news as Rimmer et al (2004) stated that poor cardiovascular fitness provides an increased risk for health problems such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and obesity.…”

Section: B Summary Of the Literaturementioning

confidence: 99%

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The functional fitness capacity of adults with Down syndrome in South Africa

Terblanche

Boer

2012

J intellect Disabil Res

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Background It is well established that there is a relationship between physical inactivity and increased risk for diseases of lifestyle. Persons with Down syndrome (DS) are especially at risk because of physical and health impairments, as well as perceived and real barriers to participation in exercise. The purpose of the study was to establish the functional fitness capacity and predictors of performance of DS adults. Methods Data were collected at various intellectual disability centres and private homes in seven provinces of South Africa. Three hundred and seventy‐one DS individuals (199 men and 172 women) from 18 to 66 years were tested for balance, flexibility, coordination, muscular strength and endurance, aerobic capacity and functional ability. Data were categorised according to gender and age groups (18–25, 26–35, 36–45, and >45 years). Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between the functional task and physical test items. Results Down syndrome men performed significantly better on all but two tests compared with the women (P < 0.05). DS women performed better on the sit‐and‐reach flexibility item and the chair stand test; however, differences were not statistically significant from the men. Significant differences across age groups were observed for nine of the 13 functional fitness tests (P < 0.05). Muscular strength items, especially leg strength, significantly predicted functional performance in DS men and women. Aerobic capacity only predicted functional performance in DS men and sit‐and‐reach flexibility and dynamic balance only in DS women. Conclusions Findings of this study provide important information on the functional capacity of DS adults and show which physical attributes contribute to functional performance. Consequently appropriate training programmes can be tailored for this population whom is known to have poor functional fitness.

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