The Contribution of Work to Overall Levels of Physical Activity in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Date
2014-01-16
Authors
Rawlings, Kayla
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Abstract
Work may be a potential source of physical activity for adults with ID, and therefore may be beneficial to their health. Using a cross-sectional descriptive research design this study examined the contribution of work to the overall physical activity levels of adults with intellectual disabilities. GT3X Actigraph accelerometers were used to measure the physical activity intensity levels of six employed adults with intellectual disabilities over eight consecutive days. Intensity levels were categorized into sedentary, light, or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The overall physical activity levels were determined to establish whether participants met the Canadian physical activity guidelines for adults. In addition physical activity levels during work were compared to physical activity during non-work. Five out of the six participants met the Canadian physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes of MVPA per week. There were no significant differences between the amount of sedentary, light or MVPA during participant’s work and non-work. There were, however, medium and large effect sizes for physical activity levels during work versus non-work, showing that work had a substantial impact on physical activity behaviours.
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Keywords
Intellectual Disability, Physical Activity, Work