Cognitive Functioning, Physical Activity, And Functional Fitness In Adults With And Without Down Syndrome

Cognitive functioning (CF) is associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels, body composition, and functional fitness in the general population. However, adults with Down syndrome (DS) have impaired CF, and associations between CF, MVPA, body composition, and functional fitness may differ for this population. PURPOSE: To examine associations between CF, MVPA and sedentary behavior levels, body composition, and functional fitness in adults with and without DS (non-DS). METHODS: 37 adults with DS (35 ± 10 years) and 57 non-DS (33 ± 12 years) had cognitive functioning assessed by the Flanker Test which measures accuracy, reaction time, and the Flanker effect—the difference between congruent and incongruent reaction time. MVPA and sedentary behavior were measured by a hip-accelerometer and scored with population-specific activity intensity cut-points. Height and weight were measured to calculate BMI, and body fat percentage (%BF) was measured by bioelectrical impedance. Functional fitness was assessed by handgrip strength (HGS) and the timed-up-and-go (TUG) test. RESULTS: Independent samples t-test indicated that adults with DS had greater BMI (DS: 34 ± 7 kg·m-2; non-DS: 26 ± 6 kg·m-2) and %BF (DS: 34 ± 9%; non-DS: 27 ± 10%) than adults without DS (p < .001). Adults with DS performed more MVPA (DS: 95 ± 44 min·day-1; non-DS: 51 ± 28 min·day-1) and less sedentary behavior (DS: 371 ± 103 min·day-1; non-DS: 483 ± 103 min·day-1) than adults without DS (p < .001). Adults with DS had less HGS (DS: 19 ± 5 kg; non-DS: 38 ± 12 kg), and slower TUG (DS: 11 ± 2 s; non-DS: 7 ± 1 s) than non-DS (p < .001). Non-DS had greater FT accuracy (DS: 76 ± 24%; non-DS: 96 ± 4%), faster reaction (DS: 1969 ± 1720 ms; non-DS: 690 ± 133 ms), and less Flanker effect (DS: 531 ± 121 ms; non-DS: 54 ± 46 ms) than adults with DS (p < .001). Pearson’s correlations for adults with DS indicated age was associated with FT reaction time (r = .36, p = .027) and Flanker effect (r = .48, p = .002). TUG test time was also associated with FT accuracy (r = -.44, p = .006) and Flanker effect (r = .33, p = .048). In adults without DS, age was associated with FT reaction time (r = .41, p = .002) and Flanker effect (r = .29, p = .031). CONCLUSION: Functional fitness and age are associated with CF in adults with DS, but not MVPA and body composition. Only age was associated with CF in adults without DS. Supported by: Funding: Mississippi State University Office of Research and Economic Development and I’m An Athlete Foundation.