Association between physical fitness, body mass index and intelligence quotient in individuals with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Background Physical exercise seems to improve cognitive abilities at different physiological levels. Numerous studies have examined the relationship between physical fitness (PF), physical activity and cognition among populations without intellectual disabilities (ID), but very few have addressed this question with respect to people with ID. This study aimed to determine the correlation between intelligence quotient (IQ) and factors related to PF in healthy adults with ID. Methods A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted in 91 individuals with ID. All participants were assessed with the K-BIT tests and the following test items from the SAMU DIS-FIT Battery: body mass index, handgrip strength (HGS), leg strength, dynamic balance and physical endurance. Results Significant differences between men and women were tested by multiple regression. IQ was found to be statistically related to HGS and leg strength, with a medium effect size. Statistical relationships were also found between sex and physical endurance, with a medium effect size, and HGS, with a large effect size. ConclusionsThe study results highlight relationships between the variables of muscular strength and the participants' IQ. Further studies with experimental designs are needed to enhance the understanding of the relationships between PF and cognition in persons with ID.

Effect of the environmental factor of coexistence on the physical condition of people with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities

“…On the other hand, a low balance has been associated with the peripheral sensory deficits often experienced by these individuals, especially those referring to the somatosensory, visual, and vestibular systems (Blomqvist et al, 2013; Leyssens et al, 2022). Other factors could contribute to these deficits, including (i) age, a factor that is aggravated by the premature aging that characterises this group (Enkelaar et al, 2012), (ii) impairment of higher cognitive functions (Cabeza‐Ruiz et al, 2021), (iii) obesity and lack of physical activity, which are linked to the barriers to access physical activity (Guidetti et al, 2010), and (iv) challenging behaviour, associated with communication difficulties and sedentary lifestyle (Nankervis et al, 2020). In addition, it has been reported that women with intellectual disabilities have a higher body mass index and twice the probability of suffering from obesity than their male peers (Barnes et al, 2013).…”

“…Force and balance have been proposed as the two most sensitive indicators of the physical condition in people with intellectual disabilities (Cabeza‐Ruiz et al, 2021; Cuesta‐Vargas et al, 2022; Delgado‐Lobete et al, 2021; Leyssens et al, 2022; Oppewal & Hilgenkamp, 2018). This is further supported by the fact that most intervention programs aimed at improving the physical fitness of people with intellectual disabilities considered both strength and balance training.…”