Physical Activity for Down Syndrome

Exercise/Physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle for people with Down syndrome.

What is Down syndrome?

Down syndrome is a genetic condition, where people have some degree of intellectual disability and developmental delay. Often individuals living with Down syndrome need assistance from family and/or support people and health professionals to reach their ultimate goal for improved quality of life (improved health, function, and independence).

Due to the nature of this disability, those living with Down syndrome have a higher risk of chronic conditions and mental health conditions. Regular exercise is an important part of leading a healthy life and reducing the risk of chronic disease.

Benefits of regular physical activity:

• Improve cognition.

• Reduce the risk of comorbidities.

• Promote overall well-being.

• Develop/improve motor skills and coordination.

• Improve independence.

• Boost self-esteem and confidence in abilities.

• Improve social interaction and relationship building.

• Improve strength.

• Improve aerobic capacity.

• Reduce anxiety and/or depression.

• Increase independence.

• Improve memory.

• Increase in lean muscle mass.

• Improve balance.

• Reduce the risk of injury

Physical activity should be encouraged from an early age. Play and sports are great ways to get started.

Other types of exercise recommended:

• Aerobic exercise involves continuous movement and large muscle groups to raise the heart and breathing rate. Performing regular aerobic exercise will increase cardiorespiratory fitness. This can include walking, rowing, swimming, boxing, dancing, cycling, aqua exercise, and other sports.

• Strength training is important for everyday activities of daily living (ADLs). Strength focuses on independence. Low muscle tone is common in people living with Down syndrome. Having a healthy dose of strength training is important in improving this.

• Balance training is highly important as people living with Down syndrome can have increased falls risk associated with their condition.

Certain effects of Down syndrome mean that care is required when starting to commence exercise and physical activity. Things to consider:

• Low aerobic capacity.

• Low peak heart rate.

• Low muscle tone.

• Hypermobile joints.

• Potential injury.

• Heart defects.

• Vision issues.

• Hearing issues.

• Joint and bone degenerative changes, leading to the potential risk of osteoporosis.

Appropriate exercise therapy under guidance is required with these high risks. This is where an exercise physiologist can help.