A comprehensive exercise program for a young adult male with Down syndrome who experienced a stroke.

Conclusion: Improved cardiorespiratory fitness, strength, balance and mobility provide preliminary evidence of the trainability of individuals with both DS and stroke. Future studies are warranted to investigate the role of exercise in risk factor reduction for primary and secondary prevention of stroke in people with DS. Implications for Rehabilitation Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) may be at heightened risk of stroke due to a combination of physiological conditions and lifestyle choices which contribute to reduced exercise capacity, accelerated aging patterns, moyamoya syndrome and physical inactivity as well as high rates of obesity and related conditions. More intensive fitness programs may be particularly important for people with both DS and stroke. Participation in a comprehensive exercise program can be safe and effective in regaining pre-stroke levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, functional mobility and goal attainment. Results suggest that a more intensive physical therapy regimen may be recommendable during out-patient rehabilitation for individuals with DS post-stroke. PMID: 24020424 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Disability and Rehabilitation - Category: Rehabilitation Authors: Tags: Disabil Rehabil Source Type: research