Individuals with Down's syndrome (DS) show lower levels of peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak).

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects that an aerobic training has on adolescents and young adults with Down's syndrome.

A total of 19 individuals (including10 girls; mean age; 14.0±5.9 years) participated in a six-month exercise training study. They practised sport-games (athletics, handball, football, basketball or volleyball) and swimming twice a week for one hour and at an intensity of between 60-75% of peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak).

Following training, our subjects significantly improved their VO2peak, ventilation and maximum slope (P≤.05).

Adolescents with DS are able to improve their cardiorespiratory fitness through aerobic training for a period of six months with average intensity.