Brain Power


The Promotion of Physical Activity for the Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease in Adults with Down Syndrome (Brain Power)

Overview

Thank you for your interest in the Physical Activity Study with The University of Kansas - Energy Balance Lab (EBL) and University of Kansas Medical Center - Center for Physical Activity and Weight Management (CPAWM).

We are looking for adults (ages 18+) with Down syndrome who are not currently participating in a regular exercise program and are interested in starting a physical activity program.

This 12-month study is being conducted to determine if group exercise sessions delivered remotely can increase the amount of physical activity adults with Down syndrome get each week, and to determine if increased physical activity can improve cognitive function or delay the onset of dementia.

Individuals in this study will be randomized to one of three groups. All groups will be asked to increase their physical activity and will be given an iPad to use for the study. Groups 1 and 2 will be asked to attend live group exercise sessions, delivered using Zoom Video Conferencing™, which is an iPad application that allows users to participate in real-time video conferencing. All individuals will be able to see and interact with each other and the exercise coach over the video conference.  Group 1 will be asked to attend 3-30-minute sessions a week. Group 2 will be asked to attend 1-30-minute session a week. Individuals in Group 3 will be given a personal health coach and be asked to attend individual support meetings every other week, over the iPad computer.

All participants will be asked to come to the University of Kansas Medical Center every 6 months for Fitness testing and  MRI scans.  

Qualifications

  • Be > 18 years of age
  • Have a diagnosis of Down syndrome
  • Doing less than 60 minutes of week of physical activity.
  • Have a care giver who is willing to support you in the study.
  • Have internet access in the home.
  • Be committed to a 12-month study.

Exclusion

  • Diagnosis of dementia

Need More Information?

Please feel free to contact our staff if you have any additional questions.

Jessica Danon, Coordinator

BrainPower@ku.edu

785-764-3574