title: Prevention of falls for adults with intellectual disability (PROFAID): a feasibility study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A novel physiotherapy intervention for people with intellectual disability (ID) to improve balance was developed and evaluated in a feasibility study which quantitatively assessed potential benefits on measures of balance, gait and activity participation, and qualitatively explored its acceptability, utility and feasibility.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were 27 adults with mild to profound ID (mean age 53 years SD 10.9). We used a mixed methods approach: an uncontrolled before-after study (data analysed with the related samples sign test) and a qualitative interview evaluation (data analysed with the general inductive approach). Balance, gait and participation were assessed at baseline and 6 months after introduction of the physiotherapy intervention with four standardised measures and two questionnaires.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Appropriate exercises and a physical activity could be found for all participants, irrespective of the level of ID, although for many this required a high level of assistance from support staff. Only the Balance Scale for ID changed significantly by a median score of 2 (95% CI = 0.00-2.50, p = 0.04). No other outcomes changed significantly. Four themes emerged: "Understanding the intervention"; "Routine and reality"; "Remembering what I have to do" and "What happens beyond the study itself"?
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings provide some evidence for the benefit, acceptability, utility and feasibility of the intervention justifying further evaluation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Falling is a frequent and serious problem for many adults with intellectual disability. Two to three exercises targeted at increasing lower limb strength and challenging balance, performed each day as part of daily routine may help improve balance in adults with intellectual disability. The importance of exercising needs to be stressed to those who support adults with intellectual disability to encourage ongoing adherence.
authors.affiliation: a Centre for Health, Activity, and Rehabilitation Research, University of Otago , Dunedin , New Zealand .
authors.forename: Leigh Anne
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Hale
authors.affiliation: b Donald Beasley Institute , Dunedin , New Zealand , and.
authors.forename: Brigit F
authors.initials: BF
authors.lastname: Mirfin-Veitch
authors.affiliation: c Department of Psychology , University of Otago , Dunedin , New Zealand.
authors.forename: Gareth J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Treharne
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D035002:Lower Extremity; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004856:Postural Balance; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Balance; exercise; fall prevention; intellectual disability; participation; physical activity; physiotherapy