The feasibility of vigorous resistance exercise training in adults with intellectual disabilities with cardiovascular disease risk factors

Background The cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is high in adults with intellectual disabilities. This CVD risk can potentially be decreased with a resistance training (RT) programme at vigorous intensity, following previous research on successful High-Intensity Training programmes. Our aim was to explore the feasibility of a vigorous RT-programme for adults with intellectual disabilities with CVD risk factors. Method Twenty-four adults with intellectual disabilities with at least one CVD risk factor participated in a 24-week RT-programme. The training intensity was increased from novice (50%1RM) to vigorous (75%-80%1RM). Feasibility was based on the achieved training intensity at the end of the RT-programme. Results Nineteen participants finished the RT-programme. Feasibility was good as 58% (11 out of 19) of the participants worked out at vigorous intensity at the end of the programme. Conclusions It is feasible for the majority of adults with intellectual disabilities with CVD risk factors to exercise at vigorous intensity.