Effects of Two Intervention Programs on Physical Fitness and Quality of Life Among People With Intellectual Disabilities
Effects of Two Intervention Programs on Physical Fitness and Quality of Life Among People With Intellectual Disabilities
Intellectual Disability (ID) is characterized by limitations in cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior, often leading to a sedentary lifestyle and lower quality of life. The main objective of this study is to compare the efficacy of two different 8-week training programs on physical fitness and quality of life in adults with ID. The work methodology consists of a randomized controlled trial with two intervention groups:
Experimental Group 1 (EG1): Traditional conditioning including strength and resistance exercises (medicine ball, rowing, and coordination circuits).
Experimental Group 2 (EG2): Sport-based individual skills program (Special Olympics model) covering soccer, basketball, athletics, and other sports with a playful approach.
The sample will be composed of sedentary adults with a clinical diagnosis of ID. The variables studied pre- and post-intervention include body composition, physical fitness (agility, strength, and cardiorespiratory capacity), blood pressure, and quality of life using the INICO-FEAPS scale.
Intellectual Disability (ID) is characterized by limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, affecting conceptual, social, and practical skills. Beyond Intelligence Quotient (IQ), ID impact depends on various factors of functioning and adaptive skills. According to the International Classification of Functioning (ICF), individuals with ID often experience difficulties in communication, self-care, decision-making, and problem-solving, as well as impaired psychomotor functioning and mobility. Consequently, this population often reports lower quality of life and reduced participation in social and recreational activities.
While physical activity is fundamental for cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being, individuals with ID have significantly lower rates of exercise practice, which is linked to increased health problems such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases. The main objective of this study is to analyze and compare the efficacy of two different training programs on physical fitness and quality of life in sedentary adults with ID.
Working Methodology The study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Catholic University of Murcia (UCAM). The intervention will last 8 weeks, with 2 sessions per week (16 total sessions), each lasting 60 minutes.
The intervention groups are:
Experimental Group 1 (EG1): Traditional conditioning program based on analytical exercises. Sessions include a 5-minute joint mobility warm-up, a 45-minute main phase with constant exercises (medicine ball squats, thrusters, band rowing, chest press, and coordination circuits), and a 5-minute cool-down. Intensity is moderate and progressed linearly by increasing exercise duration from 60 to 90 seconds.
Experimental Group 2 (EG2): Sport-based individual skills program (Special Olympics model). Sessions include activities from soccer, basketball, floorball, athletics, and boccia. Each sport block (3 sessions each) focuses on technical progression (aiming, dribbling, shooting) with a playful approach and real-game situations.
The assessment and protocols are:
Pre- and post-intervention measurements include:
Physical Fitness (SAMU-DISFIT Battery): Evaluation of agility (Timed Up and Go), flexibility (Sit and Reach), manual strength (handgrip dynamometry), abdominal resistance (30-sec sit-ups), lower limb functionality (10-repetition squat test), and cardiorespiratory capacity (6-Minute Walk Test).
Body Composition: Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference (CC) measured following standard protocols, along with bioimpedance analysis for fat mass and muscle percentage.
Strength and Hemodynamics: Lower limb explosive strength via Vertical Jump (CMJ) using Chronojump, and blood pressure measured after a 5-minute rest.
Quality of Life: Comprehensive assessment using the INICO-FEAPS Scale, evaluating 8 multidimensional domains through self-report.
Inclusion Criteria: