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.