At Home Progressive Resistance Training For Adolescents And Adults With Down Syndrome

Previous studies including individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) have shown the benefits from guided in-person resistance training. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced organizations offering these services to transition to online programs. Evaluation of this type of programming is necessary as these programs may be an effective alternative for individuals with DS because they provide increased access. PURPOSE: This pilot study determined if participation in an online exercise progressive resistance training (PRT) program led to changes in muscular fitness and function. METHODS: Participants were 13 individuals with DS (3 M/10 F, age: 21.7 ± 5.9 y). Participants completed a 10-week online PRT program consisting of 1-hour, pre-recorded exercise videos three days a week. Videos included full-body exercises that progressed in volume every two weeks, and targeted lower body, upper body, and core muscles. The program had beginner and intermediate levels, and participants were assigned at baseline based on their pre-intervention measurements. Participants had a guardian, parent, or caretaker assist them with testing sessions and completion of the program as needed. Pre- and post-measurements included: a 30-second sit-to-stand test, a 30-second bilateral bicep curls test, a modified push-up test, and a modified shelving task test. Pre- and post-test comparisons were conducted using one-tailed dependent t-tests. RESULTS: After 10 weeks, participants (n = 11) completed similar repetitions for the sit-to-stand test (11 ± 3 vs. 12 ± 3; p = .122) but completed more repetitions for the modified push-ups test (8 ± 6 vs. 12 ± 6; p = .031), and the bilateral biceps curl test (7 ± 3 vs. 11 ± 3; p < .001). For the modified shelving task, the time to perform the task did not significantly change (74.6 ± 54 vs. 54.1 ± 13.7 seconds; p = .093). CONCLUSION: These preliminary results suggest that a 10-week online PRT program increases upper body muscular fitness and potentially improves physical function. The lack of changes in lower body muscular fitness may be related to the program not generating sufficient overload for lower body muscles which could be improved with a more individualized program. This exercise programming strategy should be further evaluated utilizing a randomized control trial design. This study was funded by the College of Health & Human Development Research Support Program at California State University, Fullerton.