Abstract
Adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) are more likely to lead sedentary lifestyles and have low levels of physical activity (LLPA). The present study investigated the prevalence of reported LLPA and time spent watching TV in adults with ID and identified the associated factors for these behaviors. The proxy informants of 1618 adults with ID completed the surveys regarding their health behaviors. Multiple logistic regressions were employed for LLPA and multiple linear regressions for time spent watching TV. About 60% of adults with ID had LLPA and average time spent watching TV was 3.4 h a day. Some characteristics and health and function variables were identified as associated factors. While engaging in community activities and involvement in Special Olympics were inversely associated with LLPA, they were not associated with time spent watching TV. Attending day/educational programs or being employed were associated with spending less time watching TV. Findings highlight differential factors associated with LLPA versus TV-watching behavior in adults with ID. Hence, a key strategy aimed at increasing physical activity includes promoting participation in social and community activities, while targeted activities for reducing sedentary behavior might focus on providing day programs or employment opportunities for adults with ID.
Highlights
Low levels of physical activity (LLPA) have long been recognized as a major risk factor for the development of metabolic syndrome, chronic health conditions, and obesity-related comorbidities in the general population [1,2]
To shed light on the association between LLPA and sedentary behavior and their associated risk factors in adults with intellectual disabilities (ID), the present study examined the: (1) prevalence of LLPA and average time spent in sedentary behavior in adults with ID; (2) association between the time spent in sedentary behavior (TV watching) and LLPA; and (3) associated factors for LLPA and sedentary behavior
Whereas the prevalence of LLPA was in line with previous research, sedentary behavior as measured by TV viewing time found that a large percentage of adults with ID spent three or more hours a day watching TV
Summary
Low levels of physical activity (LLPA) have long been recognized as a major risk factor for the development of metabolic syndrome, chronic health conditions, and obesity-related comorbidities in the general population [1,2]. Sedentary behavior is referred to as any waking behavior characterized by a low energy expenditure ≤1.5 metabolic equivalent units (METs) while in a sitting, reclining or lying posture (e.g., use of electronic devices—television, computer, tablet, phone, or sitting in a car, bus, or train) [8]. Such behavior has its own detrimental health effects on metabolic risk factors such as high blood glucose and elevated triglyceride levels [9,10]. Careful monitoring of physical activity and sedentary behavior are both critical for understanding risk factors associated with all-cause mortality and morbidity
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