When it comes to improving memory, concentration, and decision-making, exercise has long been recognized as a powerful tool. A groundbreaking 2023 study shed new light on just how impactful regular physical activity—especially walking—can be for individuals with Down’s syndrome.

The MinDSets study, conducted by researchers at Anglia Ruskin University in collaboration with the Canadian Down Syndrome Society, explored whether a simple, structured walking program could improve both physical and cognitive health in adults with Down’s syndrome. The answer? A resounding yes.

“We found that exercising a few times a week not only improved physical health in people with Down’s syndrome, it also improved their cognitive function,” researchers wrote in the study summary.

Inside the MinDSets Study

The study included 83 participants, aged 19 to 42, from North America, Asia, Europe, and Africa. Over the course of eight weeks, participants were divided into four groups:

• A walking group who walked for 30 minutes, three times a week.
• A brain training group who did cognitive games for 20 minutes, six days a week.
• A combined group who did both activities.
• A control group who maintained their usual routines.

Physical fitness was measured using a standard six-minute walk test, and cognitive function was assessed through tests targeting short-term memory, focus, decision-making, and speed of response.

The results were striking.

A Boost in Physical Fitness—and Brain Power

Participants in the walking group improved their walking distance by nearly 10%, while those in the combined group improved by 12%. There was no change in physical fitness for those in the brain training or control groups.

But it was the cognitive results that turned heads.

“We were surprised to find that the exercise group and combined group actually showed greater improvements in their performance on the cognitive tests than the brain training group did,” the researchers noted. The greatest gains were seen in decision-making speed and accuracy.

This suggests that exercise alone can be more effective than brain training games when it comes to sharpening the mind—especially in key areas like attention and processing speed.

Why Walking Works

Walking might seem like a simple task, but it actually activates multiple regions of the brain. From balance and coordination to adapting to your environment, walking demands a high level of mental engagement.

“Walking required [participants] to pay attention to the task at hand—forcing them to develop their attention and concentration skills while exercising,” the study explained. These improvements were evident when participants took cognitive tests after the program.

A Model for Inclusive Research

In a unique twist, the study also empowered participants and their caregivers to act as data collectors. While this introduces more variability than a lab setting, researchers emphasized that the large, international sample size helped ensure that the findings were broadly representative.

Implications for Health and Inclusion

The study’s findings are especially important considering that people with Down’s syndrome are more likely to face health issues such as obesity, heart conditions, and early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Many also fall short of recommended physical activity levels—something this study suggests could have wide-reaching consequences.

“Our work shows that for people with Down’s syndrome, an exercise as simple and accessible as walking can have significant benefits for both physical fitness and cognitive health.”

What’s Next?

The research team hopes to explore the effects of more complex exercises, such as dancing, on cognitive function in future studies. But even now, the evidence is clear: regular, moderate physical activity can be a transformative intervention for individuals with Down’s syndrome.

As caregivers, educators, and community leaders seek ways to support the well-being of those with Down’s syndrome, walking might just be one of the simplest and most effective tools at their disposal.

And those summer beach walks just got even better!

---

References

• Anglia Ruskin University. (2023). Research at ARU
• Canadian Down Syndrome Society. Official Website
• The Conversation. (2023). Exercise improves memory and concentration in people with Down’s syndrome – new study