The association of increased body mass index on cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity, and cognition in adults with down syndrome

Disabil Health J. 2023 Oct;16(4):101497. doi: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2023.101497. Epub 2023 Jun 16.

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a significant risk factor for Alzheimer's disease; however, this association has not been explored in adults with Down syndrome.

Objective: To examine the association of obesity, assessed by body mass index (BMI), with factors related to Alzheimer's disease risk including cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity, and cognition in adults with Down syndrome.

Methods: Adults with Down syndrome attended a laboratory visit where BMI, cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 peak), and cognitive function (CANTAB® DS Battery) were obtained. Physical activity (accelerometer) was collected over the week following the laboratory visit. Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to evaluate differences in cardiorespiratory fitness, sedentary time, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and cognition between adults with obesity (BMI≥ 30 kg/m2) and those with healthy weight or overweight (BMI <30 kg/m2). Spearman correlations and linear regressions were used to measure the impact of BMI on cardiorespiratory fitness, MVPA, sedentary time, and cognition.

Results: Data was collected for 79 adults with Down syndrome (26.7 ± 9.0 years of age, 54% female, 54% with obesity). VO2 peak was significantly lower in participants with obesity (18.4 ± 2.5 ml/kg/min) compared to those with healthy weight or overweight (22.9 ± 4.0 ml/kg/min, p < 0.001). BMI was negatively associated with cardiorespiratory fitness (rho = -0.614, p < 0.001). No associations were observed between BMI and physical activity or cognition.

Conclusions: Lower BMI was associated with improved cardiorespiratory fitness. However, no associations were observed between BMI and cognition or physical activity.

Nct registration: NCT04048759.

Keywords: BMI; Intellectual disability; Obesity; VO(2) max; Weight.

Publication types

  • Clinical Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alzheimer Disease*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cardiorespiratory Fitness*
  • Down Syndrome* / complications
  • Exercise
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Obesity / complications
  • Overweight / complications
  • Persons with Disabilities*
  • Physical Fitness

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT04048759