Efeito de um Programa de 16 semanas de Exercício Físico no Perfil Psicomotor de Crianças e Jovens Adultos com Síndrome de Down

Abstract

The psychomotor development of children and young adults with Down Syndrome (DS) is still an underexplored topic in current literature, particularly regarding its connection to physical exercise (PE). PE in DS promotes improvements in muscle strength, balance, motor coordination, and overall health. In addition, it contributes to the emotional and social well-being, fostering inclusion and quality of life. This study aimed to assess the effects of a 16-week PE program on the psychomotor profile of children and young adults with DS. The sample consisted of 9 participants from the "Move-te 21" project, aged between 8 and 22 years. The PE program took place once a week and included activities focused on coordination, balance, strength, flexibility, among other psychomotor components. Data were collected before and after the intervention program using the Vítor da Fonseca Psychomotor Battery (BPM), as well as a sociodemographic questionnaire and anthropometric evaluation tools. The results showed that, regarding anthropometric measures, the body mass index (BMI) significantly decreased (p=0.028) after the intervention. Concerning the psychomotor profile, all participants showed improvements in the BPM value, but only one participant changed the psychomotor profile type. After intervention, only Tonicity showed significant improvements (p=0.046). It was found that PE can be an important tool for psychomotor development in children and young adults with DS, specifically in Tonicity. Future studies should implement programs that span the entire school year and with a higher weekly frequency, enhancing the beneficial effects of PE on the psychomotor profile.