“I'd Rather Watch TV”: An Examination of Physical Activity in Adults With Mental Retardation

Abstract

Interpretive ethnography was used as a framework to examine perceptions of physical activity behavior of 12 adults with mild mental retardation. Four parents and two job supervisors also agreed to participate. Multiple data sources included in-depth interviews, diaries, accelerometry, and informal observations. Participants reported many physical activity barriers, benefits, and leisure choices similar to the general population; however, two particularly salient themes related to negative influences and lack of guidance from support systems were apparently unique to this group. Results suggest that (a) adults with mental retardation need specially designed physical activity education and training programs and (b) supports system providers should be educated regarding the importance of physical activity to health for these individuals.

Health‐promoting physical activity of adults with mental retardation

“…Qualitative methods have been successfully used to examine other social constructs in this population [Bogdan and Taylor, 1994;Mactavish et al, 2000] and to date there have been two studies that employed these methods to assess psychosocial determinants of physical activity from the participant's, not a proxy respondent's, perspective. Frey et al [2005] used interpretive ethnography to examine determinants of activity in 12 adults with MR purposively sampled from a previous study [Frey, 2004]. Individuals were selected for in-depth interviews based on expressive and receptive language abilities.…”

“…Pitetti et al, [1993] suggests that adults with MR lack motivation to be physically active and Prasher and Janicki [2002] reinforce that the motivation of adults with MR is of concern for those who wish to promote physical activity for wellness. Adults with MR often expressed a preference for inactivity, particularly watching television, but it is unclear if this choice was based on a true preference or due to limited alternatives for other activities [Frey et al, 2005]. Considering that 60% of the global population does not meet the minimum physical activity guidelines [World Heath Organization, 2003], it is difficult to conclude whether adults with MR are any less motivated to be active than those without MR.…”

“…Lack of staff motivation to promote physical activity [Temple and Walkley, 2003a], a lack of physical activity counseling [Frey et al, 2005], and high client-to-staff ratios [Messent et al, 1999] have all been reported as constraints to participation. This is supported by Lennox [2002], who asserts people with MR "are often living in environments where healthy choices, by them or their carers, are difficult (if not impossible).…”

“…A salient activity determinant unique to this group is negative messages regarding physical activity participation from support systems [Frey et al, 2005]. Individuals with MR articulated that caregivers, teachers, coaches, and medical personnel rationalized, enabled, and oftentimes encouraged sedentary behaviors.…”

“…These negative messages were well-intentioned efforts to protect seemingly vulnerable individuals but the outcome was that participants with MR developed perceptions of disempowerment, physical fragility, overreliance on supports, and incompetence with regard to being physically active. Despite lack of support for physical activity from certain support systems, people with MR are highly motivated to engage in activity as a social outlet, similar to the nondisabled [Frey et al, 2005]. Within the physical environment, transportation and the location of day program centers in relation to open space and community facilities may hinder participation in physical activity [Neumayer and Bleasdale, 1996;Messent et al, 1999].…”