Down syndrome is a condition that impairs cognitive ability and physical growth. It's caused by the presence of an extra chromosome in the cells from the moment of conception and lasts for a person's entire life. There is no cure, but exercise can enrich the lives of people with Down syndrome by improving health, longevity and productivity. Most types of exercise can be performed with minor difficulty. However, take special precautions to ensure that proper safety measures are fully observed.
Ensure Supervision
Constant supervision is integral for people with Down syndrome, especially if the exercise involves some kind of complex movements, physical contact or heavy weights. Injuries may be caused by many of the symptoms of Down syndrome, including an underdeveloped respiratory and cardiovascular system, poor balance, perceptual difficulties, hypotonicity -- muscles that have the ability to stretch far beyond their normal limits -- hypermobility of the joints, and ligamentous laxity, which is flexibility of the joints associated with an increased risk of dislocation, says the National Center on Physical Ability and Disability or NCPAD. In approximately 17 percent of people, there may be a severe cervical cord disorder known as atlantoaxial instability that is characterized by laxity between the first and second cervical vertebrae. This makes spinal cord injuries much more likely. If a physician allows exercise, strict monitoring is important to avoid injury to the spinal cord and other areas of the body.
Provide Visual Cues
People with Down syndrome respond more to visual cues than verbal cues, so provide some visual instructions, according to the NCPAD. If you're using machines, label them with colorful and instructive pictures. Relying on nonverbal skills such as gestures and body language can also be an effective way of communicating, especially if dealing with a younger person who may have a specific difficulty with learning grammar and developing clear speech, says Down Syndrome Online. Effective communication facilitates proper technique and usage of equipment.
Know What Medication Does
It's important to understand the effects that medication have on the body in relation to exercise, the NCPAD says. Medication isn't used to treat Down syndrome itself. Rather, medication is used to treat other diseases associated with Down syndrome and other health problems that may develop. For instance, antibiotics are used for ear infections, and thyroid hormones are used for hypothyroidism. Medication may affect or impair the ability to exercise. If you're worried about it, consult a physician for advice.
