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

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.

Motor activation in people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities in daily practice

“…In both the general population as well as in people with intellectual disability, it is generally acknowledged that being physically active on a regular basis is important because of the positive effects on physical and mental health (Bartlo & Klein, 2011). Bartlo and Klein (2011) conducted a review into the effects of physical activity programs (balance training, aerobic training, and resistance training) for adults with intellectual disability and found evidence of an increase in balance and muscle strength (e.g., Carmeli, Kessel, Coleman, & Ayalon, 2002;Carmeli, Merrick, & Berner, 2004;Carmeli, Zinger-Vaknin, Morad, & Merrick, 2005), heart rate (e.g., Cluphf, O'Connor, & Vanin, 2001), functional mobility and gait (e.g., Podgorski, Kessler, Cacia, Peterson, & Henderson, 2004), and physical fitness (e.g., Rimmer, Heller, Wang, & Valerio, 2004).…”

“…Bartlo and Klein (2011) conducted a review into the effects of physical activity programs (balance training, aerobic training, and resistance training) for adults with intellectual disability and found evidence of an increase in balance and muscle strength (e.g., Carmeli, Kessel, Coleman, & Ayalon, 2002;Carmeli, Merrick, & Berner, 2004;Carmeli, Zinger-Vaknin, Morad, & Merrick, 2005), heart rate (e.g., Cluphf, O'Connor, & Vanin, 2001), functional mobility and gait (e.g., Podgorski, Kessler, Cacia, Peterson, & Henderson, 2004), and physical fitness (e.g., Rimmer, Heller, Wang, & Valerio, 2004). In addition to these positive effects in physical variables, evidence of positive effects in the domain of mental health was also found (Bartlo & Klein, 2011), such as a reduction in anxiety (Carmeli, Barak, Morad, & Kodesh, 2009), an increase in life satisfaction (Heller, Hsieh, & Rimmer, 2004), wellbeing (Carmeli et al, 2005), and quality of life (Carmeli et al, 2009;Heller et al, 2004). The participants in the studies included were, however, only adults of whom the majority had a mild to moderate intellectual disability.…”

People with intellectual disability and their families’ perspectives of Special Olympics Ireland

“…Whilst being involved in Special Olympics may have benefits for families and athletes, there can be practical implications that may result in barriers to participation. Transport difficulties, the availability of family or staff members to provide support and financial constraints are some of the barriers to participation in physical activity that have been previously reported (Bartlo and Klein, 2011;Downs et al, 2013;Mahy et al, 2010;Messent et al, 1999;Temple and Walkley, 2007).…”

Use of Video Modeling to Teach Weight Lifting Techniques to Adults with Down Syndrome: A Pilot Study

“…This is important for individuals with DS, as they may have limited disposable income for gym memberships and reduced access to transportation to and from training facilities (Bartlo & Klein, 2011). Furthermore, training individuals to use PRT in their home may result in increased compliance to an exercise program as the equipment is readily accessible and becomes increasingly familiar as it is present in their daily environment.…”