Effect of exercise on multidimensional health outcomes in adults with Down syndrome: a meta-analysis
10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2026.06.006
- VernacularTitle:运动干预对唐氏综合征成人患者多维健康结局影响的Meta分析
- Author:
Tingting SHEN
1
;
Dongfei LIU
2
Author Information
1. School of Physical Education, Chengdu Normal University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
2. School of Physical Education, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Down syndrome;
adult;
exercise;
health outcome;
meta-analysis
- From:
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice
2026;32(6):677-689
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the effect of exercise intervention on multidimensional health outcomes in adults with Down syndrome, and to explore the moderating effects of different exercise components on intervention outcomes. MethodsA computerized search was conducted in CNKI, Wanfang data, VIP, CBM, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Embase from inception to March 10, 2026. Literatures were screened followed the PICO framework. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Statistical analyses and publication bias tests were performed using Stata 18.0 and RevMan 5.4. ResultsTwelve articles comprising 14 studies and 397 participants (157 in the control group and 240 in the intervention group) were included. Meta-analysis revealed that, compared with the control group, exercise intervention could improve waist circumference, absolute peak oxygen uptake, minute ventilation, maximal heart rate, handgrip strength, standing long jump, sit-and-reach, sit-ups, 8-foot up-and-go test, 30-second chair stand test, 6-minute walk distance, balance performance, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in adults with Down syndrome (P < 0.05). Subgroup analyses indicated that, reductions in waist circumference were relatively greater with aerobic exercise programs of ≥ 60 minutes per session, three sessions per week and ≥ 10 weeks; improvements in maximal heart rate were relatively greater with aerobic exercise programs of < 40 minutes per session, three sessions per week and nine to twelve weeks; enhancements in handgrip strength were relatively greater with combined exercise programs of 40 to 60 minutes per session, three sessions per week, and nine to twelve weeks; improvements in 6-minute walk distance were relatively greater with aerobic exercise programs of < 40 minutes per session, three sessions per week and nine to twelve weeks. ConclusionExercise intervention can safely and effectively improve indicators related to body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, motor function and inflammatory status in adults with Down syndrome. Specific exercise types and dose parameters yield superior effects for different health outcomes.
