Something we thought we should post about was what good can come from training someone with an intellectual disability or Down Syndrome. Taking the time to learn how to train your loved one can be emotionally taxing, but knowing there are many benefits to doing so can be a source of positive reinforcement.
There are myriad possible physiological limitations to training someone with Down Syndrome because the diagnosis is characterized by poor skeletal muscle development and often times obesity, both of which being contraindications to an exercise program. There are also special considerations to be taken into account due to abnormal resting heart rates, thyroid, heart, and breathing problems.
The MOST important thing to remember is to make sure your loved one sticks with the program developed for him/her.
The biggest challenge faced in training this population is keeping the individual engaged in the program and changing what may be necessary to keep with the individual needs and goals of the person being trained.
Designing a structured program conformed to the individual's needs is the best possible way to create the best results.
Cardiovascular exercises show the best results in the most categories of fitness, such as cardiovascular benefits, better oxygen uptake, increases in muscular strength and longer time to exhaustion.
Walking has actually been determined as the most beneficial exercise, as long as it is not too intense, because the time period of resting to active minutes has been best for increasing all the previously mentioned components of fitness. This is the easiest activity to include in activities of daily living, so grab your loved one and start walking a few times a week for at least half hour increments!
Moving slightly away from specific physiological benefits of Down Syndrome and Intellectually Disabled individuals exercising, there are also psychological benefits, the most important being motivation. Studies have shown that these individuals have a difficult time processing complex tasks, so those who stop their programs lose motivation to tackle and complete those deemed difficult, such as adhering to a regular exercise program.
However, if the individual does continue through the program, motivation and positive social interaction are wonderful benefits seen in those being trained.
We highly encourage the aerobic training of individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Down Syndrome and believe the benefits outweigh any possible negative consequences of an exercise program as long as the program is catered to each individual's needs.
If you would like to read any more about the benefits and health components found with training, here are a couple links:
file:///C:/Users/Kaitlin/Downloads/634215.pdf (specifically the first 3 pages)
http://physical-therapy.advanceweb.com/Article/Fitness-for-Kids-with-downs-syndrome.aspx
Sources:
-http://www.intellectualdisability.info/physical-health/the-benefits-of-exercise-to-a-downs-syndrome-population
-http://www.nchpad.org/117/909/Down~Syndrome
No comments:
Post a Comment