Author(s): GORDON, D., JEWISS, M., MARQUES PINTO, J., SCRUTON, A., CAIN, R., MERZBACH, V., Institution: ANGLIA RUSKIN UNIVERSITY, Country: UNITED KINGDOM, Abstract-ID: 1069

INTRODUCTION:
With the progresses in healthcare and the slowly advancing base of research involving people with Down syndrome (DS), this current generation might be the first to outlive their parents and caregivers. Previous work (MinDSets) [1,2] demonstrated that prescribed aerobic exercise over an eight-week period led to both physical and cognitive improvements in adults with DS. The purpose of this study was to return to the MinDSets population 18-months later and examine the degree of sustainability in these physical and cognitive indices.
METHODS:
Thirty-two participants (19 females, 13 males; age: 28.4 ± 7.9 years) who had completed the MinDSets study agreed to repeat the physical and cognitive assessment battery and provide details on physical activity (PA) habits 18-months later. Participants were asked to record two 6-minute walk tests (6MWT). Cognitive and executive function was assessed through Corsi block test (CORSI), Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART), and Stroop Task (STROOP). Participants also completed the satisfaction with life (SWLS) and generalised self-efficacy (GSE) scales, as well as the 65-item Profile of Mood States (POMS) instrument.
RESULTS:
Self-reported participation in PA and exercise increased, with significance in participation in vigorous daily PA from 9 to 28% (Z=-2.121, p=0.034) (pre- to 18-month post-intervention); number of days, time per day and week were unchanged. For the measures from post-intervention to 18-months post, 6MWT dropped from 527±98 to 510±82 m (p=0.330) but stayed above baseline (490±105 m). CORSI span increased from 3.9±1.4 to 4.2±1.1 (p=0.456); SART GO response time decreased (Z=-2.139, p=0.032) with number of correct and incorrect responses remaining similar for both GO and NO-GO trials (p>0.05); non-significant changes were observed for all STROOP variables. There were non-significant increases in SWLS (0.1±2.9) and decreases in GSE (-0.6±4.7). Negative changes were seen for mood states of depression (Z=-2.557, p=0.011), fatigue (Z=-2.281, p=0.023), and confusion (Z=-2.077, p=0.038), whilst a positive change was found in vigour (Z=-3.224, p=0.001).
CONCLUSION:
Overall, positive short-term effects of the MinDSets study on physical, cognitive, and psychosocial health were maintained 18-months after the end of the intervention. There is the potential that the prescribed programme of the MinDSets study helped in forming habits for regular physical and cognitive training and instilled the significance of improving and maintaining physical and mental wellbeing which is particularly important given the greater decline in those factors with age in people with DS.

1. Merzbach V, et al., Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:7121.
2. Merzbach V, et al., Int J Environ Res Public Health 2024; 21:610.