Saeid Bahiraei; Rahman Amiri
Abstract
Introduction: Individuals with Down syndrome often exhibit low levels of physical activity and physical fitness, as well as a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a sports rehabilitation program based on the systems review of the body function and structure ...
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Introduction: Individuals with Down syndrome often exhibit low levels of physical activity and physical fitness, as well as a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a sports rehabilitation program based on the systems review of the body function and structure of individuals with Down syndrome.Methods: Articles were searched with an emphasis on "systems review" as a basis and with an overview of "effects" that affect physical activities for people with Down syndrome. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases with a combination of keywords related to Down syndrome, body function and structure, the prevalence of disorders, and physical fitness factors. Studies were selected using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. After reviewing and studying the articles, recommendations for the content and presentation of an exercise program were extracted based on the literature review.Results: Based on the results and reviews, the rehabilitation exercise program was developed for these people. The sports rehabilitation program requires minimal equipment and can be implemented independently. It also effectively leads to the improvement of gait patterns, strength, stability, balance, coordination, endurance, and participation in purposeful activities with increased independence. This exercise program can be performed three times a week for about an hour per session.Conclusion: According to the content analysis of the unique body function and structure of physiological, neuromuscular, and learning styles of individuals with Down syndrome, the presented comprehensive sports rehabilitation program can improve movement disorders, functional activities, and participation.
