MOSAIC MOMENTS

At a recent conference at the American College of Sports Medicine researchers presented findings that strength training may hold significant benefits for those with Down syndrome, boosting both muscle strength and functional performance.

“Despite a characteristically stocky build,” ACMS reported,  “individuals with Down syndrome typically exhibit 40-50 percent less strength than individuals without [intellectual disabilities] due perhaps to genetic factors that underpin the condition.”

“The question was whether resistance training could improve strength in these individuals, which can make such a difference in quality of life,” said Patrick Cowley, lead author of the study.  ”We found that leg strength increased in particular, which is associated with the ability to perform tasks required in everyday life.”

A 10-week regimen of strength training yielded significant gains for 12 participants, who performed six exercises (three sets of 10 repetitions, twice weekly). Strength improved dramatically—42 percent averaged over the three upper-body exercises and 90 percent averaged over the three lower-body exercises. Participants were seven women and five men ranging from about 18 to 36 years of age.

Less dramatic, but possibly of greater significance, was improvement in functional performance. Participants’ ability to rise from a chair or to go up and down steps increased over the 10-week experiment, and was reflected in comments made by those who accompanied test subjects to the experiments. “Relatives told us that [participants] were more willing to help around the house and were performing better on the job,” Cowley said. “Many people with Down syndrome work as janitors or stocking stores, where functional ability makes all the difference.”

I have to interject here….As there is nothing wrong with being a janitor or stocking stores, many individuals with Down syndrome are able to hold other jobs that are not part of physical labor. Many work in offices and any other job that any other person can hold. This is not part of this important story really, but I just don’t want others to get the wrong idea of the capabilities of those with Down syndrome. Ok…back to the story…

Researchers still need to understand why people with Down syndrome tend to have dramatically lower strength levels than the general population. “In another study we hope to look at muscle size, neurological factors and other parameters to determine what’s limiting strength.” The cause, he explained, is likely to be related to the extra chromosome associated with Down syndrome.

It is estimated that 50 million people in America have some type of disability. This significant portion of the population faces some of the greatest health risks associated with sedentary lifestyles. In January 2007, ACSM and the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability (NCPAD) created the Inclusive Fitness Coalition to address these health issues and create a united effort to increase access to and participation in physical activity for people with disabilities.

Josh Putman knows all about strength training! When I met him in Atlanta in 2006 this fellow’s arms were the size of my legs because of all the muscles! I had a great time talking with him and he told me all about his workouts. I don’t know if he still works out the way he used to, since he has gotten married to his sweetheart Bernadette, but looking at their wedding photo from 2007, it looks like he hadn’t slowed down then!

I think it is very beneficial for anyone to get great exercise, and I can see the real benefits all the way around for those who have Down syndrome and low muscle tone to work on this strength training. Not only does it build the muscles, it also builds self-esteem!

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