Feasibility and reliability of physical fitness tests in older adults with intellectual disability: A pilot study

Abstract

Background Physical fitness is relevant for wellbeing and health, but knowledge on the feasibility and reliability of instruments to measure physical fitness for older adults with intellectual disability is lacking.

Methods Feasibility and test–retest reliability of a physical fitness test battery (Box and Block Test, Response Time Test, walking speed, grip strength, 30-s chair stand, 10-m Incremental Shuttle Walking Test and the Extended Modified Back-Saver Sit-and-Reach Test) were investigated in older adults with ID in a convenience sample of 36 older adults (mean 65.9, range 50–89 years), with differing levels of intellectual disability and mobility.

Results and conclusion All tests to measure physical fitness in older adults with ID had moderate to excellent feasibility and had sufficient test–retest reliability (ICCs .63–.96). No statistically significant learning effects were found.

Keywords:

• physical fitness
• instrumentation
• adult
• intellectual disability

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.