Physical activity levels in adults with intellectual disabilities: The importance of physical education

The relationship between physical activity levels and health indicators is widely reported in the literature. However, the number of studies that characterize the physical activity profile in intellectually disabled adults is still small. The aims of this study are: (i) to determine the levels of physical activity in adults with intellectual disability, (ii) to study differences in physical activity levels between gender and between days with or without physical education. A total of 78 subjects (41 males and 37 females) with intellectual disability (mild and moderate), with a mean age of 30.18 +/- 8.55 years, participated in the study. The physical activity levels were evaluated by pedometer (Yamax Digiwalkers SW-700), placed in two working days (one with Physical Education and another without Physical Education classes). There were reduced levels of physical activity in days with Physical Education (4865.21 +/- 1611.04) and without (3739.22 +/- 1243.34), clearly below the recommended values. Men were more active compared to women, but only on days with Physical Education (p <.05). In the days with Physical Education classes, there is a 24% increase in physical activity levels (27% in men and 20% in women). The performance of physical education classes seems to have benefic effects on physical activity levels, however, it is necessary to develop a study that helps to understand more deeply the factors that influence the levels of physical activity in this population.