Ninth International Conference on Sport & Society

Abstract

Adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) are often excluded from physical activities (PAs). The lack of resources and supports to engage in PAs has led to alarming health and wellness problems for this population. Compared to the general public, adults with InD have higher rates of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, sedentary behaviors, chronic diseases, and joint problems. Increasing awareness of benefits from engaging in the recommended weekly (3 to 5 days a week for one hour) PAs promotes physiological wellbeing and improves quality of life. Decreasing health, social, and environmental barriers by incorporating resources and supports that will allow adults with ID to participate, motivate, and provide various ways to get exposure to PAs is a quality of life component that should be examined. This study was conducted using Zumba as the aerobic PA intervention for 8 weeks (three 60 minute sessions a week) using a wearable tracking device and exercise scales. Dissemination of the results from this study may increase awareness on this topic and create a proactive dialogue on ways to integrate this population into community PAs.