Effects of Karate in Adolescents With Down Syndrome

Adolescents with Down syndrome suffer from a set of health problems including heart disease,
sleep disturbances, and obesity. Their decreased cardiovascular fitness and exercise capacity
limits their ability to perform activities of daily living. Exercise interventions in this
population of children have been shown to improve muscle strength, balance, and
cardiovascular fitness. Prior research has helped better define physical activity barriers in
this population which include: requiring parental supervision, lack of accessible programs,
seasonal activities and reduced physical skills of the child. Karate is an indoor activity
that can be performed at different skill levels without parental involvement. The
investigators hypothesize that adolescents with Down syndrome who participate in karate will
show improved health outcomes compared to those who did not participate. Furthermore, the
investigators hypothesize that the majority of participants will continue the activity
outside of the research window. This randomized controlled trial will enroll 30 adolescents
with Down syndrome. Participants will be randomly assigned to a 3 month karate program or the
control group with no intervention. Measurements are taken at baseline, 3 months, and 6
months using validated ALPHA fitness testing and in addition parents will complete PROMIS
questionnaires to assess overall participant's activity level, mobility, and generalized
affect. An independent statistician will analyze the groups. This research will help
physicians provide adolescents with Down syndrome appropriate recommendations for an
individualized physical activity regimen that does not have similar limitations to other
exercise programs.

Inclusion Criteria:

- males & females with a diagnosis of down syndrome

- Ability to participate in 2 hours of exercise per week

- No involvement in formal martial arts classes over the past 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

- Behavior problems that would prevent them from participating in organized classes

- Health problems that preclude them from participating in moderate physical activity
programs (e.g. uncontrolled seizures)

- No Co-existing diagnosis (e.g. ASD)