Physical activity correlates in children and adolescents, adults, and older adults with an intellectual disability: a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose

Understanding enablers of and barriers for physical activity (PA) participation in people with intellectual disability (ID) is an essential first step to develop effective interventions. This systematic review examined correlates of PA across the socio-ecological model (i.e., intra-personal, inter-personal, environmental and policy level) in people with ID across the lifespan.

Material and methods

Major electronic databases were searched from inception until 15 February 2021. Keywords included “physical activity” or “exercise” and “intellectual disability” or “mental retardation.” A summary coding was used to analyze the data for adolescents (<18 years), adults (18 < 50 years), and older adults (50≤ years).

Results

Out of 83 PA correlates, retrieved from 39 studies (n = 26,456), only three consistent (i.e., reported in four or more studies) correlates were identified. In adults, older age (7/11, 64%), more severe ID (9/9, 100%) and the presence of physical mobility problems (3/4, 75%) were associated with decreased PA. From 38 correlates identified, no consistent correlates were identified for children and adolescents and older people.

Conclusions

Despite the abundance of evidence of the PA benefits for people with ID, we only found consistent evidence for three correlates reliably being related to PA in adults with ID. More research, particularly among young and older people is urgently needed.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• More severe intellectual disability is an important barrier for being active in adults with intellectual disability.

• Presence of physical health problems is an important barrier for being active in adults with intellectual disability.

Keywords:

• Exercise
• intellectual disability
• physical activity
• physical fitness
• Special Olympics

Disclosure statement

Brendon Stubbs is supported by a Clinical Lectureship (ICA-CL-2017-03-001) jointly funded by Health Education England (HEE) and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). Brendon Stubbs is part funded by the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. Brendon Stubbs also holds active grants with the Medical Research Council (GCRF and multimorbidity calls) and Guys and St Thomas Charity (GSTT). The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the (partner organisation), the NHS, the NIHR, the Department of Health and Social Care, the MRC or GSTT.