For Communication to Presenters & Mentors

akamba@olivet.edu

Project Type

Faculty Scholarship

Scholarship Domain(s)

Scholarship of Community Application

Presentation Type

Presentation

Abstract

Evidence suggests lower than average levels of physical activity among individuals with ID (Barnes et al., 2013). Fitness programs developed for adults with ID need to not only focus on increased physical activity levels, but also on how to create exercise programs that meet the recommended standards set to improve fitness levels as they relate to longevity and health. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 12-week, guided fitness program on adults with ID. Participants included 17 adults with ID (34.6 ± 10.4 years). Dependent variables, physical activity levels (IPAQ), body composition (BMI, BIA, WHR), cardiorespiratory fitness (6-minute walk test), and muscular strength (handgrip strength & 10-m walk test) were assessed before and after an exercise intervention. Results of a repeated measures MANOVA indicated no significant differences among any of the dependent variables (F (6, 5) = .816, p = .600; Wilk’s Λ = .505). Pearson Correlation Coefficient run between variables indicated significant, very strong associations between BIA and BMI (r = .888, p < .01). Also, significant, strong associations between six-minute walk test and gait speed (r = .814, p < .001). A linear regression showed a significant relationship between gait speed and the six-minute walk test (t = 3.77, p = .004). Results suggest the typical types of exercise programming being offered to adults with ID do not meet the minimum requirements to elicit health benefits. Creative solutions are needed addressing the current neglect in best practices for promoting healthier lifestyles among adults with ID.

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Apr 18th, 5:00 PM Apr 18th, 5:30 PM

Effects of a 12-Week, Guided Exercise Program in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

Reed 330

Evidence suggests lower than average levels of physical activity among individuals with ID (Barnes et al., 2013). Fitness programs developed for adults with ID need to not only focus on increased physical activity levels, but also on how to create exercise programs that meet the recommended standards set to improve fitness levels as they relate to longevity and health. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 12-week, guided fitness program on adults with ID. Participants included 17 adults with ID (34.6 ± 10.4 years). Dependent variables, physical activity levels (IPAQ), body composition (BMI, BIA, WHR), cardiorespiratory fitness (6-minute walk test), and muscular strength (handgrip strength & 10-m walk test) were assessed before and after an exercise intervention. Results of a repeated measures MANOVA indicated no significant differences among any of the dependent variables (F (6, 5) = .816, p = .600; Wilk’s Λ = .505). Pearson Correlation Coefficient run between variables indicated significant, very strong associations between BIA and BMI (r = .888, p < .01). Also, significant, strong associations between six-minute walk test and gait speed (r = .814, p < .001). A linear regression showed a significant relationship between gait speed and the six-minute walk test (t = 3.77, p = .004). Results suggest the typical types of exercise programming being offered to adults with ID do not meet the minimum requirements to elicit health benefits. Creative solutions are needed addressing the current neglect in best practices for promoting healthier lifestyles among adults with ID.