Physical fitness of adults with an intellectual disability: a 13-year follow-up study

Res Q Exerc Sport. 2000 Jun;71(2):152-61. doi: 10.1080/02701367.2000.10608893.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the change in physical fitness of middle-aged adults with an intellectual disability over a period of 13 years. Participants were 32 adults who worked in a supported work environment in Montreal and had been participants in a physical fitness study in 1983. Using the Canadian Standardized Test of Fitness, the participants were evaluated for cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. A home visit prior to the testing session refamiliarized the participants with the test procedures. Two forms of analysis were used to describe the change in fitness over 13 years. First, a 2 x 2 (Group x Time) analysis of variance for each dependent variable assessed change over time. Second, effect sizes were calculated to measure the magnitude of change in fitness over the 13-year period in comparison to those without an intellectual disability. As expected, the physical fitness levels of the participants were low when compared to those without a disability and declined over the 13 years. In addition, the magnitude of change over the 13 years, as compared to those without a disability, was greater for male and female participants for body mass index and percentage of body fat and for female participants for cardiovascular endurance and sit-ups. It appears that adults with an intellectual disability may be particularly at risk for declining health associated with aging and low physical fitness.

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue
  • Adult
  • Body Composition
  • Body Mass Index
  • Canada / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Physical Endurance*
  • Physical Fitness*
  • Sex Factors
  • Time Factors