Physical activity among adults with intellectual disabilities living in community settings.
OBJECTIVE
The aim was to objectively monitor steps accrued by a sample of adults with intellectual disabilities and to describe physical activity patterns by monitoring steps taken across weekdays, weekends, and hours of the day using time-stamped technology.


METHODS
This study used pedometers with time-stamped recording capabilities to measure physical activity behavior of 131 adults with mild to moderate levels of intellectual disabilities living in community-based supported living group settings in Iowa. Participants wore a pedometer for seven consecutive days. All data was collected in 2006 and analyzed in 2007.


RESULTS
The participants accrued 6508+/-3296 steps/day. Controlling for age, participants with mild intellectual disability were more active than participants with moderate intellectual disability (F=7.03, p<.01). A total of 14.1% accumulated 10,000 steps/day. Participants were more active on weekdays than on weekends (Z=-7.36, p<.01), and least active during the evening period compared to the morning and afternoon hours (F(r)=103.3, p<.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Physical activity (steps/day) achieved by the majority of this population is insufficient for health benefits, particularly among individuals with moderate intellectual disability. Evenings and weekends are especially inactive time periods.
Peterson
Jana J
JJ
Child Development and Rehabilitation Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97207-0571, USA. peterjan@ohsu.edu
Janz
Kathleen F
KF
Lowe
John B
JB
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D019989:Persons with Intellectual Disabilities; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D016138:Walking; D055815:Young Adult