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Intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are associated with impairments in motor development, attention, and behavior. Physical activity (PA) has been demonstrated to improve these conditions. However, many individuals with ID and ASD are not motivated to persist at performing PA tasks for an extended period of time. Therefore, there is a great need to find forms of PA that could motivate individuals to stay at performing PA. One such form of PA is Drums-Alive, which involves movement, drumming, and music to increase enjoyment motivation. While it is speculated the Drums-Alive could have an effect on motor skills, attention, and behavior, this concept has not been examined in persons with ID and ASD. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effect of Drums-Alive on motor skills, attention, and behavior for individuals with ID and ASD. Nine adolescents diagnosed with ID or ASD participated in an eight-week Drums-Alive program intervention. Motor skills, attention, and behavior were measured before and after the intervention. Paired-samples t-tests were used, and the statistical significance was established at p ≤ 0.05. The results suggested no significant differences in motor skills, attention, and behavior before and after the Drums-Alive intervention (p > 0.05). Though no statistical significance was found, improvements were observed from the pretest and posttest means, and all participants expressed their enjoyment of participating in the Drum-Alive program.

Background: Self-efficacy is one of the key constructs that directly influence physical activity, community participation, and mental health while acting as a strong influence on the quality of life (QOL) for adults with physical disabilities (AWPDs). There are relatively few studies focusing on a community-based exercise program in this population.Objective: This study aims to quantitatively examine a community-based adapted exercise program on the QOL and self-efficacy of AWPDs. In addition, we explored AWPD's perceived benefits of community-based exercise programming and any factors that may influence those perceived benefits. Method: Adults with physical disabilities (N 5 50) participated in a 9-week community-based adapted exercise program (90-minute session, twice per week). QOL (WHOQOL-BREF) and self-efficacy were measured at baseline and at the conclusion of the program. A follow-up focus group (n 5 22) was conducted at the postprogram. Quantitative data were analyzed by paired t test (a 5 0.05). Qualitative data were analyzed by thematic coding and content analysis. Result: Significant improvement with moderate effect size was found across all variables. Two main themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: 1) perceived benefit of exercise program and 2) factors of an exercise program for AWPD. Conclusion: A community-based exercise program and self-efficacy play a large role in the exercise behaviors and QOL of AWPDs. The benefits of exercise and factors identified as promoting exercise may be carefully considered to improve QOL for this population. The finding of this study offers practical recommendations to community-based exercise specialists, which would assist in establishing an appropriate exercise program for AWPDs.