Physical activity as a factor supporting psychomotor development, autonomy, and quality of life in children and adolescents with Down syndrome: a narrative literature review

Physical activity plays a significant role in supporting the psychomotor development, functional independence, and quality of life of children and adolescents with Down syndrome. The aim of this narrative literature review was to assess the effects of various forms of physical activity on psychomotor development, autonomy, and quality of life in children and adolescents with Down syndrome. Publications were searched in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus, focusing on 2023-2026 with supplementary consideration of older works of significant empirical and theoretical importance. A total of 45 publications were included in the narrative synthesis. Findings suggest that aerobic and resistance training, balance and coordination exercises, treadmill training, Pilates, cognitive-motor training, and virtual reality-based interventions may improve motor fitness, balance, coordination, muscle strength, and functional mobility. The most consistent evidence concerns improvements in balance, including dynamic balance, and muscle strength. Evidence regarding executive functions, autonomy, and health-related quality of life remains limited and inconclusive. Interpretation is constrained by small sample sizes, heterogeneous interventions, varied outcome assessment methods, and limited long-term follow-up. Physical activity may therefore be an important component of comprehensive support for the development and everyday functioning of children and adolescents with Down syndrome.