Effects of Two Type Exercise Training Programs on Body Composition of Adolescence with Down Syndrome

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of a 12-week aerobic and resistance exercise on body composition of adolescents with Down syndrome. A Semi-empirical perusal with 41 adolescents with Down syndrome, aged 15.5±2.7 years, divided into three groups: Aerobic Training Group (ATG; n=16), Resisted Training Group (RTG; n=15) and Control Group (CG; n=10). There were two types of training program: aerobic, with intensity of 50-70% of the heart rate reserve 3 times/week, and resisted, with intensity of 12 maximum repetitions 2 times week. Both exercise Programs were applied during a 12-week period. The percentage of fat measurement was carrying out using plethysmography with Bod Pod® materiel. Waist circumference (WC), body weight and height were also measured. Paired t-test was used to compare variables before and after the exercise program. The percentage of body fat did not change significantly for both groups that participated in the exercise Program intervention. Nevertheless, CG showed a significant increase in this variable (31.3±7.2 versus 34.0±7.9). On the other hand, body mass index (BMI) and WC were significantly decrease for ATG (BMI: 27.0±4.4 and 26.5±4.2; WC: 87.3±11.1 and 86.2±9.7), while RTG and GC showed no differences in these variables. The result of the present study indicated that aerobic and resisted exercise programs maintained body fat levels. ATG significantly decrease BMI and WC measures. Persons which didn’t attend the exercise intervention increased their percentage of fat.