A student-led progressive resistance training program increases lower limb muscle strength in adolescents with Down syndrome: a randomised controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
Does progressive resistance training improve muscle strength and physical function in adolescents with Down syndrome?


METHODS
Randomised controlled trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding, and intention-to-treat analysis.


METHODS
23 adolescents with Down syndrome (17 boys, 6 girls; mean age 15.6 +/- 1.6 years) were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 11) or a control group (n = 12).


METHODS
The intervention was a student-led progressive resistance training program, comprising 6 exercises using weight machines performed twice a week for 10 weeks. Participants completed 3 sets of 12 repetitions of each exercise or until they reached fatigue. The intervention took place in a community gymnasium. The control group continued with their usual activities.


METHODS
The outcomes measured at baseline and immediately after the intervention phase were muscle strength (1 repetition maximum), a timed stairs test, and the grocery shelving task.


RESULTS
The experimental group attended 90% of their scheduled sessions. They demonstrated improvement in lower limb muscle strength compared to the control group (MD 36 kg, 95% CI 15 to 58). There were no significant differences between the groups for upper limb muscle strength or physical function measures. No major adverse events were recorded.


CONCLUSIONS
Progressive resistance training is a feasible and safe exercise option that can improve lower limb muscle strength in adolescents with Down syndrome.


BACKGROUND
ACTRN12608000261314.
Shields
Nora
N
School of Physiotherapy, La Trobe University, VIC, Australia. N.Shields@latrobe.edu.au
Taylor
Nicholas F
NF
D000293:Adolescent; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D018763:Muscle Fatigue / Q000502:physiology; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010349:Patient Compliance; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome