A inclusão social de pessoas com síndrome de down através do esporte

Abstract

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that causes delays in physical and intellectual development. It occurs in one of every 792 live births and in Brazil is quite common. Individuals with Down syndrome have 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. This is the most common chromosomal disorder. Down syndrome is not related to race, nationality, religion or socioeconomic status. However, the most important fact, namely, about individuals with this syndrome is that they are more similar to each other than different. In fact, Down syndrome is usually identified at birth or shortly thereafter. Initially, the diagnosis is based on physical characteristics that are commonly seen in babies with Down syndrome. In other words, low muscle tone, a single crease in the palm of the hand, a slightly flattened facial profile and an inclination of the eyes, with the highest outer part. However, the diagnosis must be confirmed by a chromosomal study (karyotype). Thus, a karyotype provides a visual display of chromosomes grouped by their sizes, numbers, and shapes. Chromosomes can be studied by examining blood cells or tissues. People with Down Syndrome have some physical and in some cases psychological and mental characteristics that differ them from other people, however when assisted and encouraged to develop they are able to perform activities like anyone else. This study aims to verify the social inclusion of people with Down syndrome through sports. To perform this study, a literature review and analysis of 06 (six) selected articles that addressed the entire subject in question were made. From this study it was possible to identify the benefits that sport provides to these people. The results show that sport is indeed an important inclusion tool, capable of assisting in social inclusion, interaction with society, teamwork, as well as assisting in physical development, such as weight loss, height increase and control of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.