Muscle weakness is common among people with Down syndrome and can contribute to their disability. The literature was systematically reviewed to assess whether programmes designed to increase strength had beneficial outcomes in this group. Electronic databases were searched for relevant articles. Of 304 papers identified, only 3 met the inclusion criteria. Two studies reported increases in strength after progressive resistance strength training with effect sizes ranging from d = 3.08 (95%CI 2.16 to 4.00) to d = 7.52 (95%CI 6.46 to 8.58). Circuit strength training also had large positive effect sizes ranging from d = 1.94 (95%CI 1.02 to 2.86) to d = 5.06 (95%CI 4.14 to 5.98). A 25-week treadmill walking programme produced increased lower limb strength with effect sizes of d = 2.68 (95%CI 1.62 to 3.73) to d = 11.20 (95%CI 10.48 to 11.92). One study reported improvements in walking endurance, speed and distance, as well as improved speed on the Timed Up-and-go test, but no study examined the effects of these programmes on participation restrictions. No negative effects from training were reported.

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