Feasibility of a dance and exercise with music programme on adults with intellectual disability

Abstract

Background Research regarding the feasibility and effects of dancing and exercise with musical support programmes on the physical fitness of adults with intellectual disability (ID) is scarce. The purpose of this study was to provide scientific evidence regarding the feasibility of a training programme consisting of dancing and exercise with music designed for adults with ID, as well as to assess its impact on their body composition and cardiovascular and muscular fitness. Methods A total of 30 adults (mean age 36.37 ± 11.24 years) with mild (n = 13), moderate (n = 16) or severe (n = 1) ID took part in a 10-week dancing and exercise with music programme. Recruitment and completion rate, adherence to the programme, participation and adverse effects were registered as measures of feasibility. The body mass index, cardiovascular endurance (6-min walk test) and muscular strength (standing long jump test) of the participants were assessed in order to determine the effects of the programme on their fitness level. Results A 92.5% recruitment rate and a 90% completion rate were achieved. Adherence to the programme stood at 76.6%, and no adverse effects were registered. The comparison between the values obtained in the initial and final evaluations indicated the existence of positive changes in all the fitness dimensions measured.Conclusion A training programme combining dancing and exercise with music proved to be feasible when performed by adults with ID. These kind of programmes can have a positive effect on the fitness level of this specific group.

Effects of exercise training on obesity‐related parameters in people with intellectual disabilities: systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Given that the training programmes were generally well designed, and exercise adherence was usually high, our results would imply that exercise alone does not lead to significant anthropometric and body weight parameter changes. This finding is in line with previous observations indicating that exercise often does not produce significant morphological changes in people with ID (Hamilton et al 2007;Spanos et al 2013;Harris et al 2015;Martínez-Aldao et al 2019). Moreover, these results reinforce the idea that interventions targeting obesity should focus on reducing energy intake rather than solely on exerciseinduced energy expenditure (Westerterp 2019).…”

“…2015; Martínez‐Aldao et al . 2019). Moreover, these results reinforce the idea that interventions targeting obesity should focus on reducing energy intake rather than solely on exercise‐induced energy expenditure (Westerterp 2019).…”

Feasibility and reliability of the Functional Movement Screen battery in adults with intellectual disability

“…The FMS composite score showed lower values when performed by those with moderate and severe disability, who also found greater difficulties for performing the subtests. These data are in agreement with previous findings suggesting that the higher the ID, the lower the postural control, which in turn affects motor performance (Martinez-Aldao et al 2019).…”

“…These data are in agreement with previous findings suggesting that the higher the ID, the lower the postural control, which in turn affects motor performance (Martinez‐Aldao et al . 2019 ).…”

Body Expression-Based Intervention Programs for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review

“…On the one hand, among the studies that focus on the improvement in physical condition in a generic way, three analyzed the improvement in balance [ 48 , 53 , 58 ]; four dealt with knowledge of one’s own body (bodily mobility, perception, postural control and/or body expression) [ 42 , 44 , 45 , 47 ]; two evaluated basic physical skills [ 49 , 56 ]; and three studied basic physical abilities, taking into account aspects such as Body Mass Index (BMI), endurance and jumping [ 52 ], strength and flexibility [ 46 ] and caloric expenditure [ 51 ].…”