Abstract
Physical fitness of individuals with intellectual disability (ID) is low compared to those without ID. Part of the missionof Special Olympics is to develop physical fitness. However, little is known about fitness levels of SpecialOlympics athletes. This study examined the fitness level of individuals who participated in Nordic Special OlympicsGames 2008 in Finland. The sample consisted of 59 Special Olympics athletes (44 men, 15 women, age 16–45)whose fitness scores were compared to INAS-athletes (International Association of Sport for para-athletes withID) and Finnish non-athletic individuals with ID. The fitness battery consisted of 8 items: BMI, sit-and-reachtest, stork stand, sit up, standing long jump, hand grip, shuttle run, and 1 mile/2 km walk test. BMI values werein the range of the nondisabled population. All other fitness values were below the means of the INAS-athletes, butabove the Finnish non-athletes. Based on this data which is supported by the existing literature, the level of fitnessof Special Olympics athletes needs further scrutiny. Given that the participants were Special Olympics athletes, whotrained regularly, the low fitness level is alarming. Therefore, a closer examination of the contents of physical fitnesstraining programs in Special Olympics is warranted.
Highlights
Physical fitness and regular physical activity are key factors in health and wellbeing of all individu als, including those with an intellectual disability (ID) (Lorentzen & Wikström, 2012)
People have their own individual fitness needs, and physical fitness is as important for the adult with ID as it is for those without ID
Several predictors of lower physical activity in populations of individu als with ID compared to the general population have been identified: these include older age, immobility, seizure disorder, lack of opportunity to exercise during the day, living in congregate care, and bowel and blad der incontinence (Finlayson et al, 2009)
Summary
Physical fitness and regular physical activity are key factors in health and wellbeing of all individu als, including those with an intellectual disability (ID) (Lorentzen & Wikström, 2012). A sedentary lifestyle that results from inadequate levels of physical fitness can contribute to numerous health problems, including obesity, hypertension, low back pain, coro nary heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and prema ture mortality (Evenhuis, Henderson, Beange, Len nox, & Chicoine, 2000; Foster, Walkley, & Temple, 2001) People have their own individual fitness needs, and physical fitness is as important for the adult with ID as it is for those without ID. Special Olympics provides year-round sports trai ning opportunities in many countries for children and adults with ID As it relates to older Special Olym pians, Gillespie (2008) identified several significant areas of concern relative to participation patterns. Their fitness level was compared to different values of available adult populations with ID
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
