Low Levels of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

Adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) are more likely to lead sedentary lifestyles and have low levels of physical activity (LLPA). The present study investigated the prevalence of reported LLPA and time spent watching TV in adults with ID and identified the associated factors for these behaviors. The proxy informants of 1618 adults with ID completed the surveys regarding their health behaviors. Multiple logistic regressions were employed for LLPA and multiple linear regressions for time spent watching TV. About 60% of adults with ID had LLPA and average time spent watching TV was 3.4 h a day. Some characteristics and health and function variables were identified as associated factors. While engaging in community activities and involvement in Special Olympics were inversely associated with LLPA, they were not associated with time spent watching TV. Attending day/educational programs or being employed were associated with spending less time watching TV. Findings highlight differential factors associated with LLPA versus TV-watching behavior in adults with ID. Hence, a key strategy aimed at increasing physical activity includes promoting participation in social and community activities, while targeted activities for reducing sedentary behavior might focus on providing day programs or employment opportunities for adults with ID.

Correlates of Sedentary Behaviour in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities—A Systematic Review

“…Eight of the nine included studies used a cross-sectional design, with three studies reporting findings from population-based samples in the UK [ 27 ] and the USA [ 21 , 26 ]. The mean age of participants ranged from 28.5–45.0 years.…”

“…Four studies used an objective measure of total sedentary behaviour, using an accelerometer [ 24 , 25 , 28 ] or inclinometer [ 20 ]. The other five studies used questionnaires to measure time spent viewing TV/ using computers [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 26 , 27 ], as a proxy definition of sedentary behaviour.…”

Are legume-based recipes an appropriate source of nutrients for healthy ageing? A prospective cohort study

“…The item on consumption of legumes was excluded from the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener calculation, so that the score ranged between 0 and 13, with higher scores indicating higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Sedentary behaviour was estimated by the reported time (h/week) spent watching television, which has been shown to be a good proxy for sedentarism (23) . Weight and height were measured in standardised conditions, and the BMI was calculated as weight (kg) divided by squared height (m).…”

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

“…It is important, therefore, to consider their preferences when designing and implementing physical activity promotion campaigns. An interesting strategy would be to carry out activities that work especially on social relations, and on communication in any of its facets, since this promotes motivation towards participation [ 14 , 15 ]. Some studies reflect that the design of these activities can be complex, particularly because people with ID sometimes exhibit inappropriate social-communicative behaviors, possibly and in some cases due to their difficulties in recognizing emotional and facial expressions and their misperceptions of social situations [ 16 , 17 , 18 ].…”