Physical activity among adults with intellectual disabilities living in community settings

Objective, The aim was to objectively monitor steps accrued by a sample of adults with intellectual disabilities and to describe physical activity patterns by monitoring steps taken across weekdays, weekends, and hours of the day using time-stamped technology. Method. This study used pedometers with time-stamped recording capabilities to measure physical activity behavior of 131 adults with mild to moderate levels of intellectual disabilities living in community-based supported living group settings in Iowa. Participants wore a pedometer for seven consecutive days. All data was collected in 2006 and analyzed in 2007. Results. The participants accrued 6508 3296 steps/day. Controlling for age, participants with mild intellectual disability were more active than participants with moderate intellectual disability (F=7.03, p < .01). A total of 14.1% accumulated 10,000 steps/day. Participants were more active on weekdays than on weekends (Z=-7.36, p<.01), and least active during the evening period compared to the morning and afternoon hours (F-r=103.3, p<.01). Conclusion. Physical activity (steps/day) achieved by the majority of this population is insufficient for health benefits, particularly among individuals with moderate intellectual disability. Evenings and weekends are especially inactive time periods. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.