Effects of Aerobic Exercise and Diet on Weight in Children with Down Syndrome
Official title: Effects of Aerobic Exercise With and Without Low Calorie Diet on Adiposity and BMI of Overweight and Obese Children With Down Syndrome
Run by Riphah International University · NCT06943170 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether kids with Down syndrome who are overweight can lose weight and improve their health by doing aerobic exercise alone or by combining it with a low-calorie diet.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 8 Years to 16 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 22 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 15, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 15, 2025 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | April 24, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06943170 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 8 to 16 years with Down syndrome who are classified as overweight or obese.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant co-morbidities, physical disabilities, or severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the impact of aerobic exercise alone versus aerobic exercise combined with a low-calorie diet on reducing adiposity and improving body mass index (BMI) in children with Down syndrome. Participants aged 8 to 16 years who are overweight or obese will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one will engage in aerobic exercise, while the other will follow the same exercise regimen along with a low-calorie diet. The study will utilize calibrated scales, stadiometers, and waist circumference measurements to assess changes in weight and body composition over a 10-month period. The research is being conducted at a rehabilitation clinic in Lahore, Pakistan.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide effective strategies for weight management in children with Down syndrome, potentially improving their overall health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with exercise and dietary interventions in similar populations, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age (8-16) years. * Both Genders (Male and Female). * BMI-for-age percentile (at or above 85th percentile is overweight, and at or above 95th percentile is considered as obese) * Children with generally stable health condition, without significant co-morbidities that might affect diet or exercise interventions. * Consent form signed by parents, along with written approval by the physician. Exclusion Criteria: * History of any previous medical disease. * Previous Participation in any Weight Loss Exercise Program. * Participants following any specific diet plan from last 6 months. * Exclusion of children on medication that could affect weight or metabolism. * Children with physical disabilities that prevent them from safely participating in aerobic exercise. * Children with dietary restrictions or food allergies. * Children with severe cognitive impairments that prevent them from engaging in exercise program.
Where it's running
-
Jannat Arshad
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jannat Arshad, MS-PT — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Imran Amjad, PhD
- Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 9233224390125
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Kinematic analysis of hand and arm movement in kids with Down syndrome, CP and healthy children
This study tests how well an instrumented Box and Block Test and motion tracking can measure upper-limb movement in healthy kids and those with pyramidal hemisyndrome or Down syndrome.
-
Sensory integration to help balance and movement in kids with Down syndrome
Aimed at seeing if adding sensory integration to physical therapy helps improve gross motor skills and balance in children with Down syndrome.
-
Collaboration for Down Syndrome Progress (CDP) in people with Down syndrome
A long-term study following people with Down syndrome of all ages to see how health and everyday life change over time.
-
JAK inhibitor treatment for Down syndrome in children and young adults
This study tests whether 6 months of tofacitinib can help improve safety and neurodevelopment in people with Down syndrome aged 6 to 22, compared with placebo.
-
Jump rope to improve navicular drop and foot posture in children with Down syndrome
This project will test whether adding jump-rope exercises to play activities helps improve foot posture in 4–15-year-old children with Down syndrome who have navicular drop.
-
Thymus removal and immune aging in people with Down syndrome
This study will try to see if removing part of the thymus affects immune health over time in people aged 1 and older with Down syndrome, comparing those who had thymectomy to those who did not and to unaffected household relatives.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.