Effects of an aerobic rowing training regimen in young adults with Down syndrome

Effects of a rowing exercise regimen on cardiovascular fitness of young adu lts with Down syndrome were examined. Sixteen young males with trisomy 21 ( mean age 21.3, mean IQ 38.8) were randomly assigned to either a control or exercise group. AU participants performed pre- and posttraining graded exer cise tests on a treadmill and rowing ergometer. The exercise group performe d a 16-week rowing ergometry training regimen. Following training, no chang es in cardiovascular fitness had occurred for this group. However, they rea ched significantly higher levels of work performance for both treadmill and rowing ergometer posttraining tests. Results show that an exercise trainin g regimen did not improve the cardiovascular fitness of young adults with D own syndrome but did improve exercise endurance and work capacity.