Increased daily activity impedes weight gain and improves physical activity and static postural balance of adults with intellectual disability

Carolin Stangier, Cornelia Remark, Irina London, Vera Tillmann, Thomas Abel, Heiko Klaus Strüder, Volker Anneken

Publication: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution - Published abstract for conference with selection processResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Introduction
Since people with mild intellectual disability (ID) have the same life expectancy as people without ID a regular and lifelong physical activity (PA) is of increasing importance to prevent care dependency at an older age and to counteract against the high risk level for dementia3 and obesity3. Physical inactivity is also associated with a decrease in postural balance and the resultant higher risk of falling can contribute to inactivity, deconditioning and less mobility. Consequently, the present study investigates the effects of increased daily activity on postural balance and level of PA of individuals with ID.
Methods
A total of 216 individuals with ID were quasi-randomly assigned to either the intervention (42.3±14 y, 165.5±12.9 cm, 80.3±22.4 kg; 70 female, 72 male) or control group (47.7±14.5 y, 164.2±12.4 cm, 76.0±19.8 kg; 32 female, 42 male). While the control group (CG) maintained their daily habits participants in the intervention group (IG) completed 3 additional physical activities of at least 15 min each week for a total duration of 6 months. Participants´ body mass, PA (pedometer: Walking Style IV, Omron©) and static postural balance (5 static stances)1 were measured pre and post intervention.
Results
While participants in the IG maintained their body mass (80.7±22.7 kg; p=0.47) participants in the CG gained significantly weight (77.9±21 kg; p=0.008). PA was significantly increased after 6 months in the IG (4887±3210 vs. 5552±3509 steps/d; p=0.000) and slightly decreased in the CG (4607±2825 vs. 4408±2777 steps/d; p=0.38). Although both groups showed a significantly improved static postural balance (p=0.001), participants in the IG achieved the increased standing durations with less support (p=0.001) and less compensatory movements (p=0.001) compared to the CG.
Discussion
The results indicate that an increase of daily activity (≥45min) is effective to impede weight gain in adults with ID. This is a very important result since people with ID have a higher prevalence of obesity (38.3% vs. 28%) compared to the general population, one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.2 The completed intervention was also valid to increase participants´ PA and improve static postural balance. Both are highly relevant abilities for an independent and mobile lifestyle.
References:
1Guralnik et al. 1994, J Gerontol. 49, 85-94.
2Hsieh et al. 2014, J Intellect Disabil Res 58, 851-863.
3Mccarron et al. 2017, J Intellect Disabil Res 61, 843-852.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEuropean College of Sport Science : Book of abstract
EditorsMarie Murphy, Colin Boreham, Giuseppe de Vito, Elias Tsolakidis
Number of pages1
PublisherEuropean College of Sport Science
Publication date07.2018
Pages367
ISBN (Print)978-3-9818414-1-1
Publication statusPublished - 07.2018
EventEuropean College of Sport Science - University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Duration: 04.07.201807.07.2018
Conference number: 23

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