Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
2-1-2014
Abstract
Individuals with Down syndrome have body types that make it difficult to fit for a standard wet suit. In general, their body composition includes an increase in central body adiposity and an endomorphic somatotypic body type in which the trunk is large while the limbs are shorter. Because of these physical characteristics, the participation by individuals with Down syndrome in aquatics exercise programs in which wet suits are needed can be very limiting. We observed that it was challenging to get these aquatic exercise participants into and out of the wet suits that had a standard wet suit design. This article describes a modified wet suit that is more accommodating for individuals with Down syndrome and allows them to wear the suit with less assistance. Although designed with the Down syndrome individual in mind, this modification may be useful for others with movement restrictions or who have an increase in central body fat. © 2014 Human Kinetics, Inc.
Publication Title, e.g., Journal
International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education
Volume
8
Issue
1
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Lamont, Linda Suzan, Peter Panagiotis, Cortney Armitano, and Emily Clapham. "Development of a wet suit for children with down syndrome." International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education 8, 1 (2014): 98-103. doi: 10.1123/ijare.2013-0021.