Behavioral and Psychosocial Outcomes of a 16‐Week Rebound Therapy‐Based Exercise Program for People With Profound Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

People with profound intellectual disabilities rarely experience a physically active lifestyle, and their long‐term physical inactivity likely contributes to poor health. The authors developed and implemented a pilot exercise program for persons with a profound intellectual disability and conducted a study to evaluate the effort. The development of mobility, independent movement, and posture profiles resulted in a 16‐week needs‐led exercise program based on “rebound therapy,” with additional exercises, including active and passive exercise, walking, swimming, hydrotherapy, and team games. Study participants undertook 3–5 additional periods of low‐impact exercise per week, providing moderate to low levels of activity judged in terms of energy costs. The program was evaluated using physiological measures (resting pulse, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, weight, height, body mass index, seizure activity, activity levels), counts of challenging behaviors, and by indices of quality of life and alertness outcomes. Participation in the exercise program was associated with decreases of frequency of challenging behaviors and increases in quality of life (freedom scores) and alertness. The authors concluded that barriers to the development and implementation of ongoing exercise programs in continuing care settings can be overcome by trained and motivated care staff.

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

“…A good posture that maximises movement of the hand, arm, and head as a precondition for learning is also generally neglected (e.g., McEwen, 1992). Third, insufficient motor activation will negatively influence a person's level of alertness, and may eventually lead to stereotypical and selfinjurious behaviour (Jones et al, 2007). Finally, inactivity is a major deterioration factor in common health problems such as osteoporosis, contractures, recurrent pulmonary infections, and sleep disorders.…”

“…A few studies, however, have found that children and adults with more severe levels of intellectual disability can also profit from movement-oriented interventions (Houwen, van der Putten, & Vlaskamp, 2014;Jones et al, 2007;van der Putten, Vlaskamp, Reynders, & Nakken, 2005). For example, Jones et al (2007) found positive effects on problem behaviour in adults with a profound intellectual disability after a rebound therapy-based exercise program.…”

“…For example, Jones et al (2007) found positive effects on problem behaviour in adults with a profound intellectual disability after a rebound therapy-based exercise program. Van der Putten et al (2005) found that implementing a program that integrates training in functional movement skills into daily life -skills such as sitting down, being seated, standing (up), and walking -and by different professionals, enhanced the independence and participation of children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities.…”

Effect of an Aerobic Fitness Programme Intervention on the Motor Proficiency of Children with Mild and Moderate Intellectual Disabilities in India

“…Even the walking programme is a cost-effective and convenient physical activity for individuals with intellectual disability as seen in studies by Stanish & Draheim, (2005) and Jones et al, (2007).…”

“…The introduction of the exercise programme into the daily curriculum of children with intellectual disabilities at special schools can reduce inactivity caused by classroom-based teaching. Participation in exercise programmes has been associated with the decrease of frequency of challenging behaviours and increase in alertness and quality of life, which reflects the necessity of exercise and physical activities in the special education programme (Jones et al, 2007).…”