Resumen de Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Older Adults With Intellectual Disabilities: A Comparative Study

Alicia Dixon Ibarra, Miyoung Lee, Anisia Dugala

• The purpose of this study was to examine the physical activity patterns of older adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) in comparison with younger adults with ID and older adults without ID. A sample of 109 participants was included in the study. Sophisticated data reduction, time stamped technology, and multiple objec- tive measures (i.e., pedometers and accelerometers) were used to determine physi- cal activity intensities and walking patterns of participants. Results indicate that older adults with ID are performing less physical activity than comparison groups. A small proportion of older adults with ID (6%) met national physical activity recommendations of 150 min of moderate or 75 min of vigorous physical activity in bouts greater than ten minutes across the week (USDHHS, 2008). Sedentary behavior was also an observable factor in this study. These findings demonstrate the need for health promotion efforts for adults with ID across the lifespan.