COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVES ON AEROBICS AND YOGA IN ENHANCING PHYSICAL AND COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME: A THEMATIC REVIEW

Children with Down syndrome(DS)face multidimensional developmental challenges, including hypotonia, delayed motor coordination, and cognitive impairments. Over the past decade, physical activity-based interventions have gained momentum as essential therapeutic and educational strategies for this population. Among the most researched are aerobics and yoga, both of which contribute to physical fitness, cognitive functioning, and psychosocial well-being, albeit through different mechanisms. This thematic paper provides a comparative review of aerobics and yoga in relation to the physical and cognitive development of children with DS. Aerobic is found to enhance cardiovascular endurance, gross motor coordination, and attentional capacities, while yoga improves flexibility, posture, memory, and self-regulation. Drawing upon global research and Indian policy contexts such as the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act (2016) and the National Education Policy (NEP, 2020), the paper argues for integrated intervention frameworks combining both practices in schools, therapy, and community settings. The review concludes with recommendations for practice, research, and policy to foster holistic development and inclusive education for children with DS.