Effects of virtual reality-based aerobic exercise versus traditional aerobic exercise training on physical fitness, functional capacity, and quality of life in individuals with Down syndrome: DOWNFIT (Down Syndrome Fitness Intervention Trial) randomized controlled trial
Disability and Rehabilitation, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1080/09638288.2026.2735453
- Dergi Adı: Disability and Rehabilitation
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, Educational research abstracts (ERA), EMBASE, MEDLINE, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index, SportDiscus, Violence & Abuse Abstracts, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection (EBSCO)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: aerobic exercise, Down syndrome, exergaming, physical function, rehabilitation
- İstanbul Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Purpose: To compare the effects of virtual reality-based aerobic exercise (VR-AE) and traditional aerobic exercise (TAE) on on physical fitness, functional capacity, and quality of life (QoL) in adolescents with Down syndrome (DS). Methods: Forty adolescents with DS (mean age 14.45 ± 1.22 years) were randomized to the VR-AE, TAE, or control group (CG). Both intervention groups completed 20 supervised sessions over 10 weeks. VR-AE involved Xbox Kinect-based exergaming, while TAE consisted of treadmill training. Physical fitness, functional capacity, QoL, physical activity, and enjoyment were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Results: Both VR-AE and TAE improved selected anthropometric measures compared with CG (p < 0.05). VR-AE demonstrated greater improvements in flexibility, handgrip strength, and trunk endurance (p < 0.05), whereas TAE produced greater improvements in functional capacity and mobility (p < 0.05). Anthropometric improvements were comparable between intervention groups. Conclusions: VR-AE and TAE showed different patterns of short-term improvement in adolescents with DS. Whilst these findings should be interpreted cautiously given the relatively small sample size and 10-week intervention period, they highlight the potential for supervised VR-AE and TAE to serve as practical exercise options that can be tailored to individual rehabilitation goals and preferences.