Benefícios do exercício físico para indivíduos com Síndrome de Down

Abstract

The regular practice of physical exercises is fundamental to anybodys health, specially to the ones with Down Syndrome. The Down Syndrome can be associated to various diseases and characteristics, including morphological ones. Activities for these individuals must be adapted and attend their needs, so to allow positive results that will help their motor, social and cognitive developments. Directed exercises are important due to hypotony, sensorial limitations among other aspects related to inherent risks to this syndrome. The methodology used by the Physical Education professionals with these people learning is usually the same as used to general population. Professional attendance facilitates self confidence acquisition and success in tasks performed by these people. Resources like equotherapy, aquatic activities, sports practice and recreation promote socialization, control overweight, improve self esteem and, above all, minimize the occurrence of diseases like cardio respiratory compromising. It becomes essential, therefore, the refinement of the research in this field of knowledge for a better independency and social integration of these people.