Effect of rowing on pulmonary functions in children with Down syndrome.

PURPOSE: To examine effects of a rowing exercise regimen versus a chest physical therapy program on pulmonary function in children with Down syndrome.

METHODS: Twenty-nine participants of both sexes, between 8 to 12 years of age, participated in this study. They were assigned randomly into 2 study groups. The first group (A) received a chest physical therapy program, while the second group (B) received an aerobic exercise regimen using a rowing ergometer. Vital capacity, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume after 1 second, and peak expiratory flow rate were measured before and after 12 successive weeks of treatment.

RESULTS: Significant improvements in all measured variables were found posttreatment in both study groups. No significant difference between the 2 groups was found posttreatment.

CONCLUSION: Rowing exercise could be effective in improving pulmonary functions in children with Down syndrome.