The influence of assistance in home-based exercise programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Intellectual disability (ID) is considered a high-incidence disability affecting approximately 1.2 million adults in America (Brault, 2012). Diagnosed before the age of 18, ID is characterized by poor intellectual functioning, difficulty with adaptive behaviors, and problems with activities of daily living. Adaptive behaviors include practical, social and conceptual skills. Individuals with ID may lack the ability to personally care for themselves, self-direct and display naïve decision-making capabilities. Activities of daily living, such as maintaining one’s health, are influenced by poor adaptive behaviors. Between the years of 1997 and 2008, the prevalence of developmental disabilities, including ID, has increased 2.2% and while there is research dedicated to determining the risk factors causing ID, there is a continued need to research adaptive behavior management (Boyle et al., 2011). Current research in adaptive behavior focuses on determining best practices in order to help adults with ID thrive in schools, the workplace, home, and in the community. Adaptive behaviors related to healthcare, self-direction, and personal care still continue to be an area of adversity for the population and research on prevalence of healthcare-related problems are growing (Ervin & Merrick, 2014). Health concerns increase with the severity of the ID as well as age (Moss et al., 1993; Schrojenstein et al., 1997). Over 40% of adults with ID will develop four or more chronic diseases with an increase in age (Hsieh, Rimmer, & Heller, 2012). In the typical population, there is a plethora of evidence demonstrating that regular physical activity (PA) reduces the risk for chronic diseases, specifically all-cause mortality, colon and breast cancer, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression (American College of Sports Medicine, 2013). However, the number of adults with ID participating in regular PA is considerably lower than the typical population. This lack of participation increases individual risk for secondary health conditions. With diminished capabilities in adaptive behaviors, there are significant issues that affect this population’s ability for self-care and independence in health-related care. Additionally, there are limited opportunities for individuals to take steps to improve his or her ability for self-care. Improving the availability of quality instruction for PA and adherence may increase overall PA and reduce incidence and prevalence of chronic disease in adults with ID.