Exercise Effects on Health-Related Physical Fitness of Individuals with an Intellectual Disability: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effects of exercise on health-related physical fitness of individuals with an intellectual disability. The data came from 21 individual studies yielding 100 effect sizes (ESs). Large effects were demonstrated for muscular and cardiovascular endurance, moderate for muscular strength, and small for flexibility. No significant effects were found for body composition. Document source and program length influenced muscular and cardiovascular endurance outcomes, as published studies and longer programs produced larger ESs. In addition, program type influenced muscular strength (resistance programs produced larger ESs than combined programs), and program frequency influenced flexibility (higher frequency programs had larger ESs than lower frequency programs). It was concluded that additional research is needed to investigate means to improve body composition, flexibility, and muscular strength. Future studies should upgrade their standards for reporting appropriate statistical information and information related to sample and exercise prescription components.

The Effects of Structured Physical Activity Program on Social Interaction and Communication for Children with Autism

“…A number of these beneficial factors have been supported in previous findings and have been found to positively affect the physical activity program [30, 31]. The findings of this study are also similar and support the notion that certain components of the program influenced the effectiveness of social interactions and communication for children with autism [30, 31].…”

“…The findings of this study are also similar and support the notion that certain components of the program influenced the effectiveness of social interactions and communication for children with autism [30, 31]. Moreover, it revealed that multiple strategies are influential in the success of a physical activity program for children with ASD.…”

Physical fitness profile of elite athletes with intellectual disability

“…Comparison of the strength of elbow and knee extension and flexion between young adults with ID and sedentary, non‐disabled individuals showed 35–40% lower strength levels for individuals with ID (Horvat et al, 1997). No difference between individuals with ID and able‐bodied individuals is reported with regard to flexibility (Frey et al, 1999), but there is a paucity of published information concerning this fitness component (Chanias et al, 1998).…”

Gait and Balance

“…Regular training has positive and significant effects on their muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance and strength (Chanias et al 1998). Furthermore, Hinckson et al (2013) have shown that children involved in training programs were able to manage their weight.…”