DOWN SYNDROME
“Live each day; your condition does not own you. Make every new day better; always remember, you are still in charge.” (Frank C. Church)
What is it?
Down Syndrome is a chromosomal alteration. Each cell in your body has 23 pairs of chromosomes, with half coming from each parent. Down syndrome, however, occurs when chromosome 21 has a full or partial extra copy in some, or all, of that individual’s cells. This triple copy is also known as trisomy 21.
Exercise and Down Syndrome
Exercise can play a major role in the management of Down Syndrome. Movement is the language of the brain so exercise, manual therapy, and education can empower you to take charge of your own health and become your best possible self. The main goal of exercise at Physical Evolution is to assist you to live as independently and happy as possible, and to minimise the development of the compensatory movement patterns that are prone in Down syndrome.
People with Down syndrome should aim to achieve a balance of strength, aerobic and balance training.
This includes a mix of:
Moderate to vigorous aerobic activities, such as walking, swimming, cycling, boxing, dancing and rowing
Muscle and bone strengthening exercises, such as resistance training with bands, medicine balls, body weight or dumbbells.
Our exercise physiologists might also prescribe specific exercises to address functional goals, such as balance training to improve your stability or functional lower limb strength and endurance training to improve your gait speed and walking endurance.
Exercises may be completed individually, or in a group setting to encourage socialisation and motivation. Our exercise physiologists at Physical Evolution will always tailor a program to suit your specific goals, make sure it’s something you enjoy so it’s easier to stick with, and we can help you modify it as you make progress.