The impact of leisure physical activity on the physical fitness of young adults with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Background

Individuals with intellectual disability are less physically active than individuals without intellectual disabilities, and rarely reach the recommended daily level of physical activity. There is sufficient scientific evidence for the beneficial effects of exercise on the cardiovascular and muscular fitness of young adults with mild-to-moderate intellectual disabilities.

The aim

To assess the impact of leisure physical activity on the physical fitness of adults with intellectual disabilities.

Method

21 people (35,4 ± 11,61 years) with intellectual disabilities were allocated to two groups: I group (mean age 32,14 ± 9 years, 2 months, 1 t/week) and group II (mean age 38,25 ± 13,39 years, 2 months, 2 t/week). At the baseline and at the end of the intervention, the cardiorespiratory fitness, lower-body muscular strength and endurance, mobility and balance were assessed with 6-min walking (6MWT), lateral step-up (LSUT), sit-to-stand (30CST), Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Tinetti balance tests.

Results

Both groups showed improvements in cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, and balance. Significant improvements were observed in Group I in the TUG (p = 0.002), LSUT (p = 0.001), and 6MWT (p = 0.004) results. Group II also demonstrated progress in TUG (p = 0.010), LSUT (p = 0.008), and 6MWT (p = 0.012), though they did not reach recommended physical activity benchmarks. Significant differences between the groups were observed in leg strength and mobility (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that short-term, low-frequency interventions may be insufficient for individuals with low baseline fitness.

Conclusion

This study fills a gap in the literature by focusing on young adults with ID and shows that leisure PA can yield meaningful functional improvements. However, higher frequency and longer-duration interventions are likely needed to achieve recommended physical activity levels. The findings offer practical insights for developing inclusive, evidence-based PA programs for this underserved population.

Lay summary

For individuals with intellectual disabilities, physical capability is often assessed through abilities essential to daily living—such as coordination, balance, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility. As people age, functional strength and exercise tolerance tend to decline.

This study showed that in young adults with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities, leisure physical activity improves fitness and mobility and can reduce some cardiovascular risk factors. Programs should prioritize exercises that improve gait, balance, and physical function to lower fall risk and support greater independence. These findings highlight that leisure physical activity is a simple, cost-effective way to promote health in this population.