Physical Activity Research in Intellectual Disability: A Scoping Review Using the Behavioral Epidemiological...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Disability Studies
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Physical activity is crucial for overall health.
• Intellectual disability (ID) can present unique challenges to participation in physical activity.
• Understanding the research landscape is vital for advancing public health initiatives for this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of physical activity research in individuals with intellectual disability.
• To identify research gaps and areas for future investigation.
• To map the current state of research using the Behavioral Epidemiological Framework.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted for articles published between 2000 and 2014.
• 362 articles met the inclusion criteria for the review.
• Studies were systematically coded based on the Behavioral Epidemiological Framework.

Main Results:

• The majority of studies (48%) explored associations between physical activity and health outcomes in people with ID.
• A significant portion (34%) investigated factors influencing physical activity.
• Fewer studies addressed physical activity measurement (9%), interventions (8%), and dissemination (1%).

Conclusions:

• The current body of research on physical activity in intellectual disability is limited in specific areas.
• There is a critical need for more research focused on developing and validating physical activity measurement tools for this population.
• Further investigation into effective interventions and dissemination strategies for physical activity programs in people with ID is warranted.