The aim of this study was to examine changes in body composition resulting from weight training among individuals with Down Syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 15 subjects with Down Syndrome (22.1 ± 7.5years) participated in the study and were divided in two groups: experimental group (G1 = 08) submitted to a weight training program, and a control group (G2 = 07), without any intervention. Body composition was estimated through the equation of seven skinfolds. Pre- and post-test evaluations were performed three times every other day and had duration of 60 minutes. The experimental protocol consisted in nine rounds of exercise, performed in three sets of 8 to 12 repetitions and rest intervals of 30-60 seconds in-between. RESULTS: Significant decrease of fat percentage was found in G1 (-2.0%, p = 0.036) and absolute fat (-1.4kg; p = 0.000). The controls presented unfavorable increase in fat percentage (+1.0%, p = 0.043) and absolute fat (+0.8kg, p = 0.004). Regarding lean mass (LM), significant increase in G1 (+1.2kg, p = 0.008), and decrease in G2 (-2.0kg; p = 0.003) was observed. CONCLUSION: The weight training program had a favorable effect, promoting body fat reduction and muscle mass increase, suggesting hence that this program should be indicated for individuals with similar characteristics to in this investigation.
trisomy; weight lifting; anthropometry
