How Does Physical Activity Affect the Mental Health of Adults with Intellectual Disability? A Cross-Sectional Study...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) have higher risks of mental health issues.
• Physical activity (PA) benefits anxiety and depression in the general population, but its role in adults with ID is understudied.
• Understanding PA's impact on mental health in adults with ID is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between physical activity levels and perceived anxiety and depression in adults with intellectual disability.
• To examine potential gender disparities in physical activity and mental health outcomes among adults with intellectual disability.

Main Methods:

• Recruited 99 adults with intellectual disability from day centers and sports events.
• Assessed physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.
• Measured perceived anxiety and depression via the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety and Depression Scales.

Main Results:

• A significant gender disparity was observed in anxiety levels.
• Depression, physical activity, and sport participation did not differ significantly between genders.
• Multiple regression revealed gender, intellectual disability level, and physical activity predict depression; gender and intellectual disability level predict anxiety.

Conclusions:

• Physical activity is associated with lower depressive symptoms in adults with intellectual disability.
• The findings highlight the importance of promoting physical activity for mental health in this population.
• Further research is warranted to explore PA interventions for adults with intellectual disability.