Blood Pressure and Hemodynamic Adaptations after a Training Program in Young Individuals with Down Syndrome

Abstract

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases affect people worldwide. Individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) have an up to sixteen-time greater risk of mortality from cardiovascular diseases.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of aerobic and resistance exercises on blood pressure and hemodynamic variables of young individuals with DS.MethodsA total of 29 young individuals with DS participated in the study. They were divided into two groups: aerobic training (AT) (n = 14), and resistance training (TR) (n = 15). Their mean age was 15.7 ± 2.82 years. The training program lasted 12 weeks, and had a frequency of three times a week for AT and twice a week for RT. AT was performed in treadmill/ bicycle ergometer, at an intensity between 50%-70% of the HR reserve. RT comprised nine exercises with three sets of 12 repetition-maximum. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean blood pressure (MBP) and hemodynamic variables were assessed beat-to-beat using the Finometer device before/after the training program. Descriptive analysis, the Shapiro-Wilk test to check the normality of data, and the two-way ANOVA for repeated measures were used to compare pre- and post-training variables. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated to correlate hemodynamic variables. The SPSS version 18.0 was used with the significance level set at p < 0.05.ResultsAfter twelve weeks of aerobic and/or resistance training, significant reductions in variables SBP, DBP and MBP were observed.ConclusionThis study suggests a chronic hypotensive effect of moderate aerobic and resistance exercises on young individuals with DS.

Acute effects of cycling exercise on post-exercise blood pressure in individuals with Down syndrome

“…In another study, both aerobic and resistance training reduced SBP, DBP, and MBP levels after 12 weeks of training in young individuals with DS but PEH was not analysed [29]. In addition, whereas no differences in SBP or DBP in the 3 rd minute after maximal exercise were found in individuals with DS, the arterial stiffness responses to maximal exercise in persons with DS were blunted, suggesting an impaired vascular function [15].…”

Study protocol for Running for health (Run4Health CP): a multicentre, assessor-blinded randomised controlled trial of 12 weeks of two times weekly Frame Running training versus usual care to improve cardiovascular health risk factors in children and youth with cerebral palsy

“… 29 Systolic and diastolic BP were responsive to a 12-week training programme in youth with Down syndrome. 30 …”

“…Resting systolic and diastolic BP in mm Hg is a traditional risk factor for cardiometabolic disease in individuals with CP,28 and systolic BP is associated with cardiorespiratory fitness, central adiposity and body mass index (BMI) in children with CP 29. Systolic and diastolic BP were responsive to a 12-week training programme in youth with Down syndrome 30…”

Current Trends in Pediatric Physical Therapy Practice for Children With Down Syndrome

“…Body weight-supported treadmill training for children with DS prior to walking onset has a variety of benefits, including a decrease in the time it takes to learn to walk, 12 improved gait patterns, [26][27][28] and improved physical activity. 29 Adolescents with DS who walk on a treadmill also show improvements in walking capacity 30 as well as decreases in blood pressure 31 and oxidative stress. 32,33 Another functional skill intervention that has been studied in children with DS is early prone positioning.…”