Associations of physical activity with body composition and aerobic capacity in adults with Down syndrome

The characterization of physical activity profile and the relation with health indicators is still an issue to explore in populations with Down Syndrome. With the development of this study we intend to: (i) describe the levels of physical activity, aerobic capacity and body composition of participants, considering gender and age, (ii) analyse the association between physical activity levels and aerobic capacity and body composition. In this study participated 26 subjects (16 males and 10 females) with Down syndrome, aged between 19 and 41 years (27.33 +/- 11.93). All participants were evaluated in physical activity using a pedometer (one week), aerobic capacity (AAHPERD, 1998), weight and height. Reduced levels of physical activity (4073.71 +/- 1217.69 steps/day) and aerobic capacity (3.09 +/-.90 minutes) were observed among participants. The prevalence of obesity was 36.4% and 13.6% overweight, 50% of the participants presented the recommended weight. However, none of the analysed parameters shows differences between sexes (p>.05), nor association between age and the indicators evaluated (p>.05). Physical activity has been shown to be associated with: (i) body mass index (r=-.747, p<.001) and (ii) with cardiorespiratory capacity (r=.458, p=.019). It is necessary to develop programs and policies to promote physical activity in this population, in order to prevent the development of various pathologies.