Little information has been reported on the leisure time physical activity (LTPA) habits of adults with mental retardation. Prevalence of physical inactivity and recommended LTPA of adults with mild to moderate mental retardation who live in community settings was described. Adults with mental retardation (76 men, 74 women) reported their physical activity habits. Overall, men and women who resided in community settings were similarly inactive, with 47% to 51% of individuals participating in little to no LTPA. Forty-two to 47% of them reported participation in moderate to vigorous LTPA five or more times per week. Limitations to quantifying physical activity through questionnaire process is discussed and development and implementation of programs designed to increase physical activity levels recommended.

This paper reviews the recent literature on cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence, CVD-related mortality, physiological CVD risk factors, and behavioral CVD risk factors in adults with mental retardation (MR). The literature on the potential influences of modifiable behavioral CVD risk factors and the physiological CVD risk factors are also reviewed. Adults with mild to moderate MR residing in community settings appear to have an elevated disease prevalence, elevated CVD-related mortality, more adverse physiological CVD risk factors, and elevated behavioral risk compared to others with and without MR. Preliminary evidence supports the benefits of participating in the recommended physical activity levels and consuming the recommended diets to reduce the risk for CVD. The lack of large-scale longitudinal or experimental research indicates a gap in the research. The development of research-based, appropriate, primary prevention programs and intervention strategies aimed at lowering the risk for CVD is highly recommended. Programs should focus on educating individuals with MR along with direct care providers and family members on the importance of appropriate dietary concepts, physical activity habits, and regular health screenings by physicians. Programs should be individualized to regional and cultural issues.

The dietary intake of adults with mental retardation among three different community residential settings was described and compared. Two dietary screeners were administered to 325 adults. The women's Fruit and Vegetable Screener scores from group homes were significantly higher than scores from those with family members and in semi-independent settings. No significant differences were found in dietary intake across residences for men. Overall, 0% to 6% of the participants consumed the recommended 5 or more fruits and vegetables per day, and 15% to 30% consumed the recommended

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A reduced expression of the insulin resistance syndrome, a common neuroendocrine disorder underlying atherosclerosis, may play a role in reduced atherosclerosis in adults with Down syndrome. We compared selected components of the insulin resistance syndrome between 75 adults with Down syndrome and 70 with mental retardation due to other causes. After adjusting for age differences, residence, cigarette smoking, and medication use, women with Down syndrome had lower fasting plasma glucose and lower systolic blood pressure than comparison women. Men with Down syndrome had lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure than comparison men. Results suggest that women with Down syndrome may be less likely to express the insulin resistance syndrome, and men and women with Down syndrome may possess fewer atherosclerotic risk factors than the comparison groups.