Effect of eight weeks SPARK program on malondialdehyde and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in boys with Down syndrome

Background & One of the main problems of Down syndrome is cognitive impairment with problems in the nervous system. These problems partly are due to oxidative stress increases and reduce of brain-derived neurotrophic hormone (BDNF) in these people. Regular exercise with moderate intensity is effective in reduces of oxidative stress and improves BDNF levels; however, the effect of exercise on oxidative stress indexes and BDNF in people with Down syndrome is not well known. The present study was done to examine the effect of eight weeks spark training on malondialdehyde (MDA) and BDNF in boys with Down syndrome. In this quasi study, twenty boys with Down syndrome (aged 9-14 years old) and IQs 50 to 70, were randomly divided into control group (n = 10) or training group (n = 10). Participants in the training group were performed a selected SPARK program 3 sessions of 45 minutes per week for 8 weeks. Fasting blood Sample was taken before the intervention and 48h after last session of training. The results demonstrated that MDA concentration reduced significantly in the training group compare to the control group (P=0.002). Moreover, BDNF level was increased after eight weeks of SPARK program compare to the control group (P=0.02). No significant relationship was observed between changes of BDNF and MDA after the intervention (r= ‒ 0.18, P= 0.9). Generally, we can conclude that SPARK program caused an increase BDNF level and reduce MDA in boys with Down syndrome. Thus, performing of this program is introduced to improve oxidative stress in adolescents with Down syndrome.