Physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescents with Down syndrome

Nutr Hosp. 2013 Jul-Aug;28(4):1151-5. doi: 10.3305/nh.2013.28.4.6509.

Abstract

Aims: To determine if adolescents with and without Down syndrome (DS) accomplish the physical activity (PA) guidelines and to evaluate relationships between PA and cardiorespiratory variables.

Methods: 42 adolescents (27 with DS) participated in this study. PA was measured using accelerometers. Walking-graded treadmill protocol with a breath-by-breath gas analyzer was employed to assess cardiorespiratory fitness.

Results: Adolescents with DS spent less time in sedentary PA, moderate PA (MPA), vigorous PA (VPA) and moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) than those without DS. VO2peak was correlated with total minutes spent in light PA, MPA, VPA and MVPA in the control group (from r = 0.55 to r = 0.61, p < 0.05) and with MPA and MVPA in the DS group (from r = 0.38 to r = 0.41, p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Nor DS neither control groups achieved at least 60 minutes of MPA daily. Engaging more time in MPA was associated with greater cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescents with DS.

Objetivos: Comprobar si los adolescentes con síndrome de Down (SD) cumplen las guías de actividad física (AF) y evaluar la relación entre AF y la condición cardiorrespiratoria. Métodos: 42 adolescentes (27 con SD) participaron en este estudio. La AF se midió usando acelerometría. La condición cardiorrespiratoria se evaluó mediante ergoespirometría en tapiz rodante con un protocolo progresivo continuo. Resultados: Los adolescentes con SD pasaron menos tiempo en AF sedentaria, moderada (MAF), vigorosa (VAF) y moderada-vigorosa (MVAF) que los adolescentes sin SD. El VO2peak mostró correlación con minutos totales en AF ligera, MAF, VAF y MVAF en el grupo control (desde r = 0,55 hasta r = 0,61, p < 0,05) y con MAF y VAF en el grupo de adolescentes con SD (desde r = 0,38 hasta r = 0,41, p < 0,05). Conclusión: Ningún grupo alcanzó 60 minutos de MAF diaria. La capacidad cardiorrespiratoria en adolescentes con SD se asoció con una mayor participación en MAF.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anaerobic Threshold / physiology
  • Anthropometry
  • Blood Gas Analysis
  • Body Mass Index
  • Child
  • Down Syndrome / physiopathology*
  • Exercise Test
  • Female
  • Heart Rate / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motor Activity / physiology*
  • Physical Fitness / physiology*