Effect of Aerobic Training on Physical Fitness in Children with Down Syndrome

Authors

  • Marwa M. Ibrahim Cairo University
  • Ghada A. Abdullah Cairo University

Keywords:

Down syndrome, physical fitness, aerobic exercises, aerobic capacity and maximum oxygen consumption.

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an aerobic training program on physical fitness in children with Down syndrome (DS). Thirty DS children (8–12 years)  were randomized to two equal groups, study group(A) and control group (B).

Procedure: Measurements of maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max), minute ventilation (VE), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), exhaustion time, forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) by using an Ergo spirometer device were performed before and after 16 weeks of the treatment program. Group(A) received aerobic training exercise and group (B) didn't receive any training during this period.

Results: after 16 weeks training, extreme significant improvements in cardiovascular parameters were seen for the study group for VO2 max, VE, RER, FVC and FEV1 and only significant improvement in exhaustion time, while no significant change in peak physiologic parameters was seen in the control group (p< 0.05).

Conclusion: It is concluded that children with DS could improve their cardiovascular fitness when performing a well-designed aerobic training program.

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Published

2015-05-01

How to Cite

Ibrahim, M. M., & Abdullah, G. A. (2015). Effect of Aerobic Training on Physical Fitness in Children with Down Syndrome. Asian Journal of Applied Sciences, 3(2). Retrieved from https://ajouronline.com/index.php/AJAS/article/view/2616

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