The investigators are interested in Resistance Training as a physical exercise intervention for adults with Down syndrome. Resistance Training (or RT for short) is a popular form of physical exercise, which focuses on improving muscle strength and endurance using weighted or resistance-based exercises. RT can involve 'lifting weights', doing resistance band movements or performing bodyweight exercises. Researchers have developed a tailored programme of RT exercises (called RESID), which are suitable and safe to implement for individuals with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. RT has been shown to help people improve thinking skills and overall quality of life. RT has been associated with better brain health in older adults with memory problems. The investigators want to run the RESID exercise programme with adults with Down syndrome who do not have memory problems but who the investigators know are at much greater risk of developing memory problems as they get older. The investigators are hoping this programme will support brain health and healthy ageing in adults with Down syndrome. The investigators want to see this programme can be successfully run with people with intellectual disabilities. The investigators want to see if participants enjoy this programme and engage well with it. The investigators want to see if there are any barriers to participating in this programme. The investigators also want to see how much it will cost to run this programme again in the future. The investigators also want to see if this programme helps these adults to feel better about themselves, to have better memory skills, to have better day-to-day skills, and to have better strength and mobility. The investigators will measure study outcomes using self-report scales, a memory assessment, strength test, mobility tests, blood pressure/heart rate test and by getting information from caregivers. The investigators will use the same measures with a similar group of adults who initially do not take part in this programme. They will be called our services as usual control group. During the first group, these adults will attend usual weekly services. However, they will be offered a place on a RT programme after the first experimental group have finished. The investigators will decide the order of who takes part in which initial group (Experimental or Control) by drawing names out of a hat so that it will be as fair as possible. However, all participants in this study will eventually take part in the RT programme. The investigators hope this study will tell us a lot about running a RT programme for people with intellectual disabilities. The investigators hope the results of this research study will show that adults with Down syndrome enjoy and engage well with this programme and that RT has benefits for adults with Down syndrome who do not memory problems. The investigators hope to show that RT can support the healthy ageing of adults with Down syndrome.
Age range
20 Years – 45 Years
Sex
ALL
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A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Episodic Memory
Timeframe: Baseline (1-2 weeks pre program) Post (1-2 weeks post program) 3-month follow-up (12-14 weeks post-program) Crossover Baseline (1-2 weeks pre program) Crossover Post (1-2 weeks post program) Crossover 3-month follow-up (12-14 weeks post-program)
Adaptive Behaviour
Timeframe: Baseline (1-2 weeks pre program) Post (1-2 weeks post program) 3-month follow-up (12-14 weeks post-program) Crossover Baseline (1-2 weeks pre program) Crossover Post (1-2 weeks post program) Crossover 3-month follow-up (12-14 weeks post-program)
Grip Strength
Timeframe: Baseline (1-2 weeks pre program) Post (1-2 weeks post program) 3-month follow-up (12-14 weeks post-program) Crossover Baseline (1-2 weeks pre program) Crossover Post (1-2 weeks post program) Crossover 3-month follow-up (12-14 weeks post-program)
Mobility
Timeframe: Baseline (1-2 weeks pre program) Post (1-2 weeks post program) 3-month follow-up (12-14 weeks post-program) Crossover Baseline (1-2 weeks pre program) Crossover Post (1-2 weeks post program) Crossover 3-month follow-up (12-14 weeks post-program)
Leg Strength
Timeframe: Baseline (1-2 weeks pre program) Post (1-2 weeks post program) 3-month follow-up (12-14 weeks post-program) Crossover Baseline (1-2 weeks pre program) Crossover Post (1-2 weeks post program) Crossover 3-month follow-up (12-14 weeks post-program)
Blood Pressure
Timeframe: Baseline (1-2 weeks pre program) Post (1-2 weeks post program) 3-month follow-up (12-14 weeks post-program) Crossover Baseline (1-2 weeks pre program) Crossover Post (1-2 weeks post program) Crossover 3-month follow-up (12-14 weeks post-program)
Body Mass Index
Timeframe: Baseline (1-2 weeks pre program) Post (1-2 weeks post program) 3-month follow-up (12-14 weeks post-program) Crossover Baseline (1-2 weeks pre program) Crossover Post (1-2 weeks post program) Crossover 3-month follow-up (12-14 weeks post-program)
Resting Heart Rate
Timeframe: Baseline (1-2 weeks pre program) Post (1-2 weeks post program) 3-month follow-up (12-14 weeks post-program) Crossover Baseline (1-2 weeks pre program) Crossover Post (1-2 weeks post program) Crossover 3-month follow-up (12-14 weeks post-program)
Attendance Rate
Timeframe: Across all sessions during the initial programme (24 sessions over 12 weeks) Across all sessions during the crossover programme (24 sessions over 12 weeks)
Session Satisfaction (Participant-Reported)
Timeframe: Immediately after each session throughout the programme (24 sessions over 12 weeks Immediately after each session in the crossover phase (24 sessions over 12 weeks)
Trainer-Reported Engagement Score
Timeframe: Time Frame: Immediately after each session throughout the programme (24 sessions over 12 weeks) Immediately after each session in the crossover phase (24 sessions over 12 weeks)
Resource Cost (Hours)
Timeframe: Through study completion (approximately 18 months)
Equipment costs in Euro €
Timeframe: Through study completion, approximately 18 months.
Recruitment Rate
Timeframe: Approximately 4-6 months recruitment period.
Retention Rate
Timeframe: Through study completion (approximately 18 months)