title: The effect of progressive resistance training on leg strength, aerobic capacity and functional tasks of daily living in persons with Down syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of progressive resistance training on leg strength, aerobic capacity and physical function in persons with Down syndrome (DS).
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty persons with DS (age 28 SD 8 years) were assigned to an intervention or control group. The intervention group performed resistance training 2 days per week for 10 weeks. Participants performed tests to measure isometric and isokinetic knee extensor and flexor peak torque, peak aerobic capacity and timed performance on chair rise, walking and stair ascent and descent.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Persons with DS receiving the intervention significantly increased their isokinetic knee extensor and flexor peak torque [Absolute change (post minus pre-value) was 17.0 SD 29.6 and 12.6 SD 18.9 N m, respectively] and isometric knee extensor peak torque at angles of 45° (2.9 SD 23.2 N m), 60° (3.0 SD 22.9 N m) and 75° (14.2 SD 30.0 N m). These changes were significantly greater than in the control group. In addition, the time to ascend (-0.3 SD 0.8 s) and descend (-0.6 SD 0.9 s) stairs significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to the control group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings show that progressive resistance training is an effective intervention for persons with DS to improve leg strength and stair-climbing ability.
authors: Department of Exercise Science, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA. pmcowley@syr.edu
authors: Patrick M
authors: PM
authors: Cowley
authors: Lori L
authors: LL
authors: Ploutz-Snyder
authors: Tracy
authors: T
authors: Baynard
authors: Kevin S
authors: KS
authors: Heffernan
authors: Sae Young
authors: SY
authors: Jae
authors: Sharon
authors: S
authors: Hsu
authors: Miyoung
authors: M
authors: Lee
authors: Kenneth H
authors: KH
authors: Pitetti
authors: Michael P
authors: MP
authors: Reiman
authors: Bo
authors: B
authors: Fernhall
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D017097:Electric Impedance; D017079:Exercise Tolerance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength; D010807:Physical Endurance; D055070:Resistance Training; D055815:Young Adult