Physical Activity Benefits and Needs in Adults With Intellectual Disabilities: Systematic Review of the Literature

Author(s):  
Pamela Bartlo ◽  
Penelope J. Klein

Abstract Regular physical activity is vital for adult individuals with intellectual disabilities. The purpose of this review was to assess critically the evidence on effectiveness of physical activity interventions for adults with intellectual disability. An electronic database search was conducted. Research was then assessed for methodological rigor, and strength of the evidence was determined. Eleven clinical studies met inclusion criteria. Interventions studied included a variety of physical activity modes. Critical review revealed moderate to strong evidence that physical activity positively affected balance, muscle strength, and quality of life in individuals with intellectual disability. The authors also found that the research in this area needs to be translated into practice, specifically the development of physical activity programs that are adaptable to the needs of individuals with intellectual disability.

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Cuesta Vargas ◽  
David Perez Cruzado ◽  
Alejandro Rodriguez Moya

Purpose People with intellectual disabilities have lower levels of physical fitness compared with peers without intellectual disability, because of the high levels of sedentary behaviour in this population. This study aims to know the relationship between quality of life and physical fitness in adults with intellectual disability. Design/methodology/approach Ninety-six adults with intellectual disability were assessed with quality of life questionnaire and physical fitness tests, which involve balance, muscle strength, flexibility and aerobic condition. Findings Adults with higher self-reported levels of quality of life reported higher levels of physical fitness in balance, muscular strength and flexibility. In contrast, in aerobic condition were not found significant correlations with self-reported quality of life. Originality/value These findings support the hypothesis that people with intellectual disability with lower levels of physical fitness could influence in their levels of quality of life. This insight is useful for improving treatments to improve physical fitness in this population.


2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 442-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Pérez-Cruzado ◽  
Antonio Ignacio Cuesta-Vargas

Several studies have been carried out regarding different interventions in an effort to improve levels of physical activity in people with an intellectual disability (ID). Studies have been carried out regarding physical activity interventions (1), educational interventions (2), and multimodal interventions (3). New technologies are currently being used to carry out changes in daily habits and to promote health in different pathologies but not in people with an ID (4;5). Due to the poor maintenance of physical activity that we have found in people with ID, the objective of the present study is to determine the maintenance of levels of physical activity, quality of life, self-efficacy, and social support in this population through an intervention with an application in their smartphones.


2011 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamar Heller ◽  
Jeffrey A. McCubbin ◽  
Charles Drum ◽  
Jana Peterson

Abstract A scoping review of studies on physical activity and nutrition health promotion interventions for individuals with intellectual disabilities was conducted. Searches included MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases from 1986 through July 2006. The final number included 11 articles comprising 12 studies. Generally, this review indicated some evidence for fitness and psychosocial benefits of community-based physical activity and exercise programs for adults with intellectual disabilities. When combined with a more comprehensive health behavior education program incorporating exercise and nutrition information, some evidence exists for reductions in weight.


2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 148-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel J. Schwartz ◽  
Rachel E. Robertson

Adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) struggle to gain access to sexual knowledge and experiences. Sexual knowledge increases opportunities for intimacy and positive sexual identities as well as decreases the risk of victimization. This review evaluated the extant literature on sexual education programs for adults with ID. Six studies met inclusion criteria. Findings suggest that sexual education programs can be effective in increasing sexual knowledge, decision-making capabilities, and interpersonal skills for adults with ID. Despite positive results, this synthesis revealed the need for further methodological rigor in this area to identify and/or develop specific instructional curriculum to meet the diverse needs and preferences of adults with ID. Researchers discuss findings and implications for practice at the secondary and postsecondary levels.


2018 ◽  
Vol 212 (5) ◽  
pp. 287-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan H. Thygesen ◽  
Kate Wolfe ◽  
Andrew McQuillin ◽  
Marina Viñas-Jornet ◽  
Neus Baena ◽  
...  

BackgroundCopy number variants (CNVs) are established risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders. To date the study of CNVs in psychiatric illness has focused on single disorder populations. The role of CNVs in individuals with intellectual disabilities and psychiatric comorbidities are less well characterised.AimsTo determine the type and frequency of CNVs in adults with intellectual disabilities and comorbid psychiatric disorders.MethodA chromosomal microarray analysis of 599 adults recruited from intellectual disabilities psychiatry services at three European sites.ResultsThe yield of pathogenic CNVs was high – 13%. Focusing on established neurodevelopmental disorder risk loci we find a significantly higher frequency in individuals with intellectual disabilities and comorbid psychiatric disorder (10%) compared with healthy controls (1.2%, P<0.0001), schizophrenia (3.1%, P<0.0001) and intellectual disability/autism spectrum disorder (6.5%, P < 0.00084) populations.ConclusionsIn the largest sample of adults with intellectual disabilities and comorbid psychiatric disorders to date, we find a high rate of pathogenic CNVs. This has clinical implications for the use of genetic investigations in intellectual disability psychiatry.Declaration of interestNone.


2015 ◽  
Vol 37 ◽  
pp. 223-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel N. Blick ◽  
Adam E. Saad ◽  
Anthony J. Goreczny ◽  
KatieLynn Roman ◽  
Cambria Hunter Sorensen

2021 ◽  
pp. 174462952110264
Author(s):  
Niklas Nutsch ◽  
Dirk Bruland ◽  
Änne-Dörte Latteck

People with intellectual disabilities show significantly lower levels of physical activity than the general population in respect to all consequences for health. A positive effect of physical activity on health preservation has been proven, but interventions for physical activity in everyday life seem to be rare for people with intellectual disabilities. Based on a previously conducted scoping review the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist was prepared. This article describes and compares physical activity interventions in everyday life for individuals with intellectual disabilities with the aim to of identifying successful strategies and areas for improvement. The 12 included interventions are heterogeneous, but commonalities and similarities can be identified. There are suggestions for successful strategies to implement physical activity interventions. However, much information could not be found. The promotion of healthier lifestyles is important to improve the overall health in this population.


RMD Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. e001635
Author(s):  
Emma Swärdh ◽  
Christina Opava ◽  
Nina Brodin

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is considered a cornerstone in the treatment. To highlight aspects involved in supporting a positive PA behaviour, it is important to understand the patients’ perceptions of the phenomenon.ObjectiveThe aim of this qualitative meta-synthesis was to explore and synthesise patient perceptions of PA in RA.MethodsA purposeful search was conducted across three online databases (PubMed, CINAHL and Web of Science). The methodological quality of the included studies was appraised, and data were extracted and analysed using an interpretive inductive thematic synthesis.ResultsFifteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included. PA was identified as an agile lifelong behaviour, with one main theme: The disease as a persistent catalyst for or against PA illustrating how the constant presence of the disease itself underlies the entire process of a life with or without regular PA. Seven subthemes: ‘considering aggravated symptoms’, ‘acknowledging the impact on health’, ‘becoming empowered and taking action’, ‘keeping informed to increase awareness’, ‘creating body awareness’, ‘dealing with social support’ and ‘feeling satisfied with circumstances and achievements’ were interpreted as facilitators and/or challenges.ConclusionThis synthesis has identified PA as an agile lifelong behaviour in which the disease pervades all aspects of an individuals’ perception of PA. Placed in a theoretical context, our findings outline a model for tailoring PA support to the drivers and determinants of a certain individual, which will improve clinical practice for the benefit of both health professionals and patients with RA.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 2341
Author(s):  
Gabriel González-Valero ◽  
Josep Vidal-Conti ◽  
Félix Zurita-Ortega ◽  
Pere Palou-Sampol

Current research shows that individuals with intellectual disabilities do not engage in enough physical activity to acquire health benefits. However, cooperative learning has been shown to be an effective tool for inclusion and for improving healthy physical habits. The aim of this study is to contrast an explanatory model which incorporates quality of life, active time in cooperative activities, body mass index and age, as well as to analyze, using multi-group structural equations, the existing associations according to the sex of subjects with intellectual disabilities. The convenience sampling used allowed the collection of data from a total of 156 subjects in Granada (Spain), aged between 18–55 years. In terms of gender, the sample was homogeneous, representing 52.6% (n = 82) for women and 47.4% (n = 74) for men. The active time during the cooperative learning was recorded with the Xiaomi Mi Band 2 activity band, for the quality of life scale (GENCAT) was used, and the body mass index was calculated through its standardized equation. Age was directly associated with body mass index in both sexes. Likewise, age was positively related to the active time of women. Quality of life was directly associated with active time and body mass index was inversely related to active time. This study shows the importance of active time during work and cooperative learning in individuals with intellectual disabilities, as it is associated with an improvement in the quality of life and a reduction in the problems of sedentarism, overweight, and obesity.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e043358
Author(s):  
Angela Hassiotis ◽  
Athanasia Kouroupa ◽  
Rebecca Jones ◽  
Nicola Morant ◽  
Ken Courtenay ◽  
...  

IntroductionApproximately 17% of adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) living in the community display behaviours that challenge. Intensive support teams (ISTs) have been recommended to provide high-quality responsive care aimed at avoiding unnecessary admissions and reducing lengthy inpatient stays in England. We have identified two models of ISTs (model 1: enhanced provision and model 2: independent provision). This study aims to investigate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the two models of ISTs.Methods and analysisA cohort of 226 adults with ID displaying behaviour that challenges who receive support from ISTs from each model will be recruited and assessed at baseline and 9 months later to compare the clinical and cost-effectiveness between models. The primary outcome is reduction in challenging behaviour measured by the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist-Community (ABC-C). The mean difference in change in ABC score between the two IST models will be estimated from a multilevel linear regression model. Secondary outcomes include mental health status, clinical risk, quality of life, health-related quality of life, level of functioning and service use. We will undertake a cost-effectiveness analysis taking both a health and social care and wider societal perspective. Semistructured interviews will be conducted with multiple stakeholders (ie, service users, paid/family carers, IST managers/staff) to investigate the experience of IST care as well as an online survey of referrers to capture their contact with the teams.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the London–Bromley Research Ethics Committee (REC reference: 18/LO/0890). Informed consent will be obtained from the person with ID, or a family/nominated consultee for those lacking capacity and from his/her caregivers. The findings of the study will be disseminated to academic audiences, professionals, experts by experience and arm’s-length bodies and policymakers via publications, seminars and digital platforms.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT03586375).


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