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Abstract
Background We investigated if a physical activity program for young adults with Down syndrome was feasible using a phase II, single-blind, randomised controlled trial.
Method Sixteen adults with Down syndrome (8 women, 8 men, M age = 21.4 ± 3.2 years) were randomly assigned to an intervention, in which participants were asked to complete 150 minutes of walking each week for 8 weeks, or a control group, in which participants completed an 8-week program of social activities. The outcomes assessed by an assessor blind to group allocation included feasibility, safety, waist circumference, walking capacity, physical activity, and wellbeing. Data were analysed using analysis of covariance.
Results The participants logged an average of 175 minutes per week walking (range: 146–262 minutes). No adverse events occurred. Sample size estimation for a phase III study suggests 41 participants per group would be required to demonstrate a significant difference.
Conclusions This phase II trial provided preliminary evidence that a walking program is feasible and safe for young adults with Down syndrome with mild to moderate intellectual disability.
Acknowledgements
The authors would also like to acknowledge the contributions of all the participants, their families, and the student mentors. We would also like to thank Dr Dennis Wollersheim for his assistance with the physical activity monitor data analysis and Dr Clare Ardern for her assistance with data collection.
Funding
Funding for this study was received from the Faculty of Health Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia. The funding body was not involved in the data collection or analysis, and did not have to approve the manuscript prior to submission for publication.
Conflicts of interest: None.