Physical Activity of Youth with Intellectual Disability: Review and Research Agenda

Abstract

This review characterizes physical activity behavior in youth with intellectual disability (ID) and identifies limitations in the published research. Keyword searches were used to identify articles from MEDLINE, EBSCOhost Research Databases, Psych Articles, Health Source, and SPORT Discus, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses up to June 2007. Data were extracted from each study using a template of key items that included participant population, study design, data source, and outcome measure. Nineteen manuscripts met the inclusion criteria. Findings were mixed, with various studies indicating that youth with ID have lower, similar, and higher physical activity levels than peers without disabilities. Only two studies provided enough information to determine that some youth with ID were meeting minimum physical activity standards. Significant methodological limitations prohibit clear conclusions regarding physical activity in youth with ID.

Interventions to promote physical activity for youth with intellectual disabilities

“…It is well documented that youth with intellectual disabilities are less active than peers without disabilities, 3 however there are few published efforts to improve physical activity in this population segment. This review illustrates that both the quantity and quality of physical activity interventions for youth with intellectual disabilities are lacking.…”

“…In 2008, we published a review paper that aimed to summarize and critically analyze the existing literature on physical activity of youth with intellectual disabilities. 3 At that time, findings were variable with evidence to support that children with intellectual disabilities were less active, more active, and similarly active than their typically developing peers. We reported that significant methodological limitations and small sample sizes restricted the conclusions that could be drawn about the physical activity behavior of youth with intellectual disabilities.…”

Accuracy of Pedometer Steps and Time for Youth with Intellectual Disabilities during Dynamic Movements

“…Although it has been reported that youth with physical (e.g., cerebral palsy) and sensory (e.g., limited visual capacity) disabilities engage in less recreational activities than their peers without disabilities (Longmuir & Bar-Or, 2000), little is known about the physical activity patterns of youth with ID (Fernhall & Unnithan, 2002;Frey et al, 2008;Rimmer and Rowland, 2008). The use of pedometry could provide insight into their physical activity patterns.…”

“…The critical need for such research specific to youth with disabilities was ably addressed in two recent articles (Frey, Stanish, & Temple, 2008;Rimmer & Rowland, 2008). In the article by Rimmer and Rowland (2008) it was stated, "One of the most important challenges for paediatric rehabilitation and healthcare professionals is finding ways to increase physical activity and fitness among youth with disabilities in community-based settings" (p. 141).…”

“…To determine levels of physical activity in youth with disabilities it is necessary to establish the most valid and accurate method to measure their activity. The need to establish accuracy of pedometers in children with ID for movement other than walking was specifically addressed in the review article by Frey et al (2008): "It is important that the limitations of the measurement tool be considered and addressed, and findings interpreted accordingly. For example, pedometers are only an assessment of walking behavior, which is a component of daily activity, not a global measurement of physical activity."…”