Start Date
18-6-2025 5:00 PM
End Date
18-6-2025 6:30 PM
Abstract
Background: People with intellectual disabilities experience more health problems than the general population. This study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of an eight-week health and wellbeing programme for participants with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities (n=24).
Method: Primary outcomes were programme feasibility, physical health and emotional wellbeing outcomes. Secondary analysis explored programme effectiveness by gender and level of intellectual disability.
Results: Compliance and completion rates were 73% and 89%, respectively. Systolic blood pressure, lower body muscular endurance and flexibility significantly improved in the cohort; there was no change in emotional wellbeing. Lower body muscular endurance increased in men; systolic and diastolic blood pressure and flexibility improved in women. Isometric handgrip strength and balance improved in participants with mild intellectual disability.
Conclusion: The programme demonstrated high feasibility and resulted in significant improvements in some physical health outcomes.
Recommended Citation
McCready, Helen; VanSomeren, Ken; Fitzpatrick, Ben; and Martin, Sinead, "Health and Wellbeing in Intellectual Disability: A feasibility and evaluation study of a programme for adults with intellectual disabilities." (2025). International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness. 59.
https://sword.mtu.ie/isapa/2025/day3/59
Health and Wellbeing in Intellectual Disability: A feasibility and evaluation study of a programme for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Background: People with intellectual disabilities experience more health problems than the general population. This study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of an eight-week health and wellbeing programme for participants with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities (n=24).
Method: Primary outcomes were programme feasibility, physical health and emotional wellbeing outcomes. Secondary analysis explored programme effectiveness by gender and level of intellectual disability.
Results: Compliance and completion rates were 73% and 89%, respectively. Systolic blood pressure, lower body muscular endurance and flexibility significantly improved in the cohort; there was no change in emotional wellbeing. Lower body muscular endurance increased in men; systolic and diastolic blood pressure and flexibility improved in women. Isometric handgrip strength and balance improved in participants with mild intellectual disability.
Conclusion: The programme demonstrated high feasibility and resulted in significant improvements in some physical health outcomes.