Athletic Training Practice Exam

Which of the following is a common complication of sports participation that concerns athletes with Down syndrome?

1. Atlantoaxial instability

2. Congenital heart defects

3. Slipped capital epiphysis

4. Chronic fatigue syndrome

The correct answer is: Atlantoaxial instability

Atlantoaxial instability is indeed a common complication associated with athletes who have Down syndrome. This condition involves an abnormal relationship between the first (atlas) and second (axis) cervical vertebrae in the spine, which can lead to increased mobility at this joint. This increased mobility may raise the risk of spinal cord injury, particularly during contact sports or activities that involve sudden movements or impacts. Athletes with Down syndrome may not only have inherent physiological differences but may also experience compromised neck stability due to the anatomical variations associated with the condition. As such, while awareness of other potential health issues, such as congenital heart defects, is important, atlantoaxial instability directly affects their participation in sports by potentially limiting the types of activities deemed safe for them. Other conditions listed, such as congenital heart defects and slipped capital epiphysis, can impact athletes with Down syndrome but are generally less directly associated with sports participation concerns when compared to atlantoaxial instability. Chronic fatigue syndrome is another condition that could affect performance but does not have the same urgent implications for safety and injury risk during athletic activities.