The Effects of Adapted Physical Activity Program on Balance and Quality of Life for Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

• Published in: Palaestra (Macomb, Ill.) Ill.), 2024-10, Vol.38 (4), p.46-46
• Main Authors: Chen, Chih-Chia (JJ), Adams, Raegan, Schambeau, Hartleigh
• Format: Magazinearticle
• Language: English
• Subjects: Exercise; Intellectual disabilities; Quality of life; Young adults
• ISSN: 8756-5811; 2372-1391

Purpose/Aim Limitations in mobility and quality of life are common in persons with intellectual disabilities (ID). The purpose of this study was to determine whether adults with ID could improve their balance and quality of life through adapted physical activity participation. Methods Twenty-seven adults with ID (19 males and 8 females, aged 19-28 years) participated in an adapted physical activity program. Participants practiced soccer, basketball, and badminton activities with adults without ID for 2 hours each session, once a week for 6 weeks. Dynamic balance (e.g., Timed Up and Go Test), static balance (e.g., Sit-and-Stand Test), and Quality of Life (e.g., self-reported questionnaire) were measured before and after the program. A paired sample t-test 2 was used to explore the effect on their balance and quality of life. Results Participants significantly improved their performance in the Sit-and-Stand Test. They also improved their walking time in the Timed Up and Go test and reported more positive scores on their quality-of-life scale; however, both improvements did not achieve a statistically significant level. Implications/Conclusion Participants practiced many fundamental motor skills (e.g., overhand throw, catch, kick, ball bounce, and run). Thus, this study concluded that young adults with ID could gain physical benefits (e.g., muscular strength) through participating in a six-week physical activity program. For dynamic balance, more emphasis needs to be placed on agility training, and for mental health benefits to be significant, more exercise sessions might be needed.