A systematic review 1 including 4 studies (3 RCTs and a non-randomized controlled trial) with a total of 107 subjects was abstracted in DARE. Exercise programmes consisted of sessions of low-impact exercises (including brisk walking, rowing, cycling or jogging) that generally lasted 30 minutes and were conducted 3 times a week for between 10 and 16 weeks, usually in small groups. Programmes included motivational strategies in all studies; one study also included a progressive resistance exercise programme. Control interventions were no regular physical training.
Meta-analyses found that cardiovascular exercise programs were effective in increasing peak oxygen consumption (Cohen's d=0.75; 95% CI 0.34 to 1.15; 4 studies, n=107), peak minute ventilation (d=0.71; 95% CI 0.15 to 1.28; 3 studies, n=55), the maximum workload achieved (d=0.96; 95% CI 0.45 to 1.45; 2 studies, n=68), and the time to exhaustion (d=0.72; 95% CI 0.29 to 1.15; 3 studies, n=93) in people with Down syndrome. No changes were found for body weight (d=0.09; 95% CI -0.39 to 0.57; 2 studies, n=68). Effect sizes were classified as advised by Cohen as small (<0.2), medium (0.5) and large (>0.8). No evidence concerning the effects of cardiovascular exercise programmes on psychological functioning, functional activities, societal participation, or self-perceived quality of life in individuals with Down syndrome was found. None of the studies reported any unexplained withdrawals or negative effects. One study assessed electrocardiographic symptoms and reported no unusual symptoms during exercise testing.
Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by study quality (unclear allocation concealment) and by imprecise results (limited study size for each comparison).
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