Daily physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in adults with Down syndrome with and without congenital heart disease

Abstract

Background

Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) typically exhibit lower cardiorespiratory fitness and reduced moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) compared to persons without disability. Approximately 50–55 % of individuals with DS have congenital heart disease (CHD), which is associated with cardiopulmonary deficiencies and reduced MVPA participation in non-DS populations. It is unknown if CHD related comorbidities compound with DS associated deficits in physical activity and fitness.

Objective

To compare physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and cardiovascular function, of persons with DS with and without CHD.

Methods

Baseline data were used from a 12-month randomized controlled physical activity intervention of adults with DS. Participants with DS were age and sex matched based on presence of CHD. Measures of physical activity through accelerometry (n = 42; CHD, n = 21), cardiorespiratory fitness (VO_2peak; n = 34, CHD n = 17), and cardiovascular function (anaerobic threshold, chronotropic index, O₂ pulse; n = 34, CHD n = 17) were compared by CHD status using Wilcoxon rank sum tests.

Results

There were no differences in VO_2peak between those with and without CHD (CHD 20.3 ml/kg/min; no CHD 21.3 ml/kg/min, p = 0.44). MVPA was lower for those with CHD vs. without CHD (10.0 vs 13.3 min/week, p = 0.05). There were no differences in cardiovascular function by group.

Conclusion

Fitness and physical activity were low regardless of CHD status. Adults with DS and CHD may engage in less physical activity than those without CHD, however fitness and cardiovascular function were not further impaired by CHD. Given the prevalence of CHD in DS, it is important to include those with CHD in work increasing physical activity and fitness.