Abstract

Introduction: Although there is consensus that the physical condition of people with Down syndrome is lower than their non-disabled counterparts, the specific behavior of this variable during the life cycle is unknown. Objective: To determine the behavior of anthropometry and physical condition variables in a population with Down syndrome over 10 years. Methods: This is a longitudinal comparative study, panel design, conducted with 16 subjects (13 males and 3 females) with Down syndrome between the ages of 10 and 25. Anthropometric and physical condition evaluations were conducted in 2009, 2014, and 2019 over a 10-year period. The variables measured were body mass, height, waist and hip circumference, and skinfolds. Along with body mass index, waist/hip ratio, and body fat percentage, static grip strength, abdominal muscle capacity, trunk flexibility, and aerobic capacity were also calculated. Results: Anthropometry and physical condition presented a negative development during the 10 years of study. The most significant change was the increase in fat percentage between 2009 and 2019 (p=0,00). In addition, a decrease in abdominal capacity was also found between 2009 and 2019 (p=0,00). Conclusion: Subjects with Down syndrome present a decreasing trend regarding the physical condition and anthropometry variables and a negative evolution from the health point of view, considering a follow-up period of 10 years.