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Feasibility of Accelerometry in Adults With Intellectual Disabilities in Health Promotion Research
J M Kirschmann1, A B Cepni1, D W Walsh1
1Health and Human Performance Department, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.
Background And Purpose:
Despite its health benefits, physical activity levels remain low in adults with intellectual disabilities. Efforts to promote engagement in activity are limited in part by a lack of appropriate assessment tools for evaluating activity levels in this population. This study aims to assess the feasibility of applying standard accelerometer wear protocols among adults with intellectual disabilities.
Methods:
This retrospective study included 28 adults with intellectual disabilities. Demographic and accelerometer wear and activity data were analysed via descriptive statistics. Paired sample t-tests were conducted to assess differences in activity intensities on weekdays versus weekend days.
Results:
The majority (67.9%) of participants met standard wear time criteria. Participants engaged in an average of 19.51 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and 602 min of sedentary behaviour per day. Engagement in light intensity physical activity and MVPA was higher on weekdays compared to weekends.
Conclusion:
Standard accelerometry protocols appear feasible for use in populations of adults with intellectual disabilities.
