THE IMPORTANCE OF THE POLAR DEVICE IN MONITORING PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDROME
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE POLAR DEVICE IN MONITORING PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDROME

Summary/Abstract: The information and studies currently available in the literature on the functional parameters and their monitoring during exercise in people with Down syndrome are insufficient and do not allow to develop a training algorithm based on the heart rate behaviour. This finding is coupled with the need for these people to be carefully supervised because of their associated pathology. Our study started from the hypothesis of the importance of permanently monitoring heart rate and calorie consumption in people with Down syndrome practicing bocce, as a method of controlling exercise intensity. Thus, we determined the working heart rate during a competition by means of the Polar device. Then, heart rate was correlated with the way in which the tested athletes perceived the effort. Their opinions were assessed using the Borg Scale of Perceived Exertion. Each athlete was presented the calorie consumption for being able to argue the importance of practicing sport for that challenged person. At the same time, we showed the calorie consumption because most athletes had to lose weight for reducing their Body Mass Index. The results indicated a moderate intensity of exercise in terms of heart rate behaviour, while the working heart rate averaged 54.57% of the maximum heart rate. The effort was felt as moderate towards difficult on the Borg Scale. In conclusion, monitoring by means of the Polar device allows preventing high working heart rates and stimulates participation in regular physical activity by displaying calorie consumption. Also, heart rate monitoring is an efficient way of providing mental comfort during competitions.

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