Gender difference in bone mineral density, cardiovascular fitness, and muscle strength in adults with down syndrome

Abstract

The study assessed gender difference in bone mineral density (BMD), cardiovascular fitness (maximal oxygen uptake), and muscle strength in 131 adults (82 males and 49 females) with Down Syndrome (DS). Method: BMD level of DS adults is expressed as Z-score, a standardised value indicating the level of BMD above or below the mean BMD of age- and gender-matched healthy adults. Findings: BMD of both males and females were uniformly lower than normal level (negative Z-scores) across age groups. Females had significantly lower head and higher left leg BMD Z-scores compared with males. No gender difference was found in the BMD level of other body parts. Females appeared to have a greater drop than males in cardiovascular fitness with age, but the two groups had comparable rate of decline in total body lean mass and muscle strength. Implications: The findings highlighted the poorer physical fitness of female adults with DS.