Effect of Aerobic Exercises and Strengthening Exercises in Improving Functional Mobility in Down Syndrome Population

Abstract

Background: When compared to children without Down syndrome (DS), children with DS exhibit qualitatively
different movement patterns and a considerable delay in the development of motor abilities. Due to their difficulty
maintaining proper body alignment and aberrant walking patterns, children with DS are more likely to fall.
Strengthening and aerobic exercise are part of the Down syndrome therapy programme.
Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of aerobic exercises and strengthening exercises in Down Syndrome
Population .
Methodology: Twenty down syndrome patients were randomly divided into groups A and B. Aerobic exercise
was given to ten subjects in group A, and strengthening exercise was given to ten subjects in group B. The
Dynamic Gait Index Scale was employed as an outcome measure and was pre-assessed on Day 1. For four weeks
of treatment, each group had two sessions per day, followed by a post-assessment of the outcome measures.
Results: Group A experienced an increase in the dynamic gait index scale. The Group A showed improvement in
the Dynamic gait index scale after training, which was statistically significant (p<.01)
Conclusion: The results obtained from this research were statistically classified and can be concluded that there
was a definite and positive effect of strengthening exercise in improving functional mobility in Down syndrome
population.