Effect of selected exercise training program on cardiovascular function in adults with Down syndrome

The aim of this study was to evaluate the Effect of selected exercise training program on cardiovascular function in adults with Down syndrome. The statistical population of this research was Down syndrome adults of Nemoneh rehabilitation center. After study of their medical and psychological records، 19 Down syndrome (IQ between 35-69) with a mean age of 25. 684 ± 4. 014 years were randomly divided to two experimental (n = 10) and controls (n = 9) groups. The Experimental groups followed a 12-week selected exercise training program (a combination of strength، endurance، balance and aerobic training). Before and after the training period all subjects were evaluated by Impedance cardiograph method (Cardio screen) And Comparing of pre and post test in per group (16 variables) was performed by dependent t test. The results of this study showed that sample group in 8 from 16 variables have had abnormal values. But Following the training، the DS adults in the intervention group showed a statistically significant improvement in cardiovascular health with emphasis on five variables، thoracic fluid content، cardiac output، mean arterial blood pressure، systemic vascular resistance and systemic vascular resistance index (P<0. 05). Given that any variable in the control group after three months did not change significantly (P>0. 05) it can be concluded that the combined exercise training program can significantly improves cardiac function in patients with Down syndrome.