[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Theodore V. Kastanias, Helen T. Douda, Sofia A. Batsiou, & Savvas P. Tokmakidis*
School of Physical Education & Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace
*Contact Corresponding Author: 
Abstract
Purpose: This study examines the influence of aerobic exercise intervention on obesity, lipid profile and hemodynamic adaptations in individuals with intellectual disability with the Down Syndrome (DS) or without the Down Syndrome (NDS).
Methods: Forty six institutionalized individuals (n=46), aged 36.02±8.50 yrs, were divided into three groups: DS (n=14), NDS (n=22) and control (n=10). Measurements on anthropometric characteristics (body mass, BMI, percent body fat, waist circumference), plasma blood lipids (TGs: triglycerides, TC: total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C) and blood pressure (systolic, diastolic) were obtained before and after a 12-week aerobic training program. Mean arterial pressure and cardiac index were determined using specific equations.
Results: Significant health-related adaptations were observed after a 12-week intervention on anthropometric characteristics in both training groups (DS and NDS; body mass: -1.76 and -2.5%; BMI: -1.76 and -2.63%; waist circumference: -4.07 and -3.3%, p<.001; and body fat: -0.85 and -2.62%, p<.05). Furthermore, HDL-C increased (+7.85 and 10.47%, p<.001) whereas LDL-C slightly decreased (-3.13 and -2.2%, p>.05). In addition, when a stepwise multiple regression was applied, using the cardiac index as a dependent variable, the 98% of the total variance was explained by diastolic blood pressure (DP: 55.7%), age (A: 22.2%), heart rate (HR: 6.1%) systolic blood pressure (SP: 5.4%) and body mass (BM: 8.6%), (y=2.405-0.037*DP-0.018*A+0.023*HR+0.019*SP-0.011*BM).
Conclusion: The present study provides a practical model for the prediction of cardiac function and suggests that a 12-week regular aerobic exercise program improves body composition, lipid profile and hemodynamic response in people with intellectual disability with or without the Down syndrome.
Keywords: Down syndrome; obesity; dyslipidemia; blood pressure; aerobic exercise[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_single_image img_link_target=”_self” title=”Download full text in PDF” image=”1084″ img_link=”https://panrcy.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/PANRar_15013.pdf”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]