IKONS

Down Syndrome (DS) is the most frequent of chromosomal disorders in the world.

Children and adolescents with DS have a range of physical problems and impairments that may affect their motor development. In fact, individuals with DS show poor motor coordination (Startin et al., 2016), lower postural stability (Blomqvist et al., 2013), lower muscle strength (Angelopoulou et al., 1999; Blomqvist et al., 2013; Horvat et al.,1999) and lower cognitive functions (Amemiya, 1982, Ghezzo et al., 2014). As a consequence, their inclusion in daily and leisure activities, as physical activity, is by far lower (Temple et al, 2006; Hutzler, 2013).

Chronic exposure to a low level of physical activity can lead to the symptoms of the “metabolic syndrome”. Because of this, it seems clear that the possibility of implementing practices that can increase the level of physical activity in this population is of primary importance.

For example, the practice of martial arts has been observed that may lead to widespread benefits to bodily functions.

IKONS intends to exploit the special role that sport can play for people with DS as an important contribution towards social cohesion and more integrated societies, supporting the ‘sport for all’ principle by increasing people with DS participation in sport at noncompetitive level and paying special attention to social inclusion in sports of disadvantaged groups.

The project is implemented in Italy, Austria, Belgium, Hungary and Romania.

For more information, please visit https://www.ikons-project.eu