Effects of aerobic, resistance and balance training in adults with intellectual disabilities

Guillermo R. Oviedo, Miriam Guerra-Balic, Tracy Baynard, Casimiro Javierre

Research output: Indexed journal article Articlepeer-review

57 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Adults with intellectual disability (ID) have decreased cardiovascular fitness and strength present with lower rates of physical activity (PA), and often have balance and functional impairments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a combined PA program (CPAP) utilizing aerobic, strength and balance training on cardiovascular fitness, strength, balance and functional measures in a controlled clinical trial. Adults with mild to moderate ID were assigned into either the intervention group (IG; n=37) or the control group (CG; n=29). The IG trained 3 day/week, 1h/day over 14 weeks, while the CG did not participate in any exercise program. Cardiovascular fitness, strength, balance, flexibility and functional ability were assessed pre-post training. The IG increased cardiovascular fitness (26.8 vs. 29.3mlkg-1min-1), handgrip strength (19.2 vs. 21.9kg), leg strength, and balance following the training period (p<.05). Body weight (70.1 vs. 68.1kg) and body mass index (27.4 vs. 26.6kgm-2) decreased (p<.05) in the IG group. The CG showed no changes in any parameter. These data suggest a combined aerobic, strength and balance exercise training program is beneficial among individuals with ID.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2624-2634
Number of pages11
JournalResearch in Developmental Disabilities
Volume35
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2014

Keywords

  • Balance
  • Exercise
  • Health
  • Intellectual disability
  • Physical fitness

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