Using Causal Agency Theory To Promote Functional And Independent Performance In Adults With Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

Research suggests adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) have significantly lower levels of physical activity (PA) and fitness compared to the general population. This can affect their physical functioning and increase risk for obesity. Carefully structured exercise has improved functional performance in adults with ID. Limited exercise interventions for adults with ID emphasize self-determined behaviors, which can facilitate PA and ultimately quality of life among adults with ID. Causal Agency Theory (CAT) explains how people become self-determined; that is how they develop the actions and beliefs necessary to engage in self-caused, autonomous action in response to basic psychological needs and autonomous motivation as well as contextual and environmental challenges. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of a 10-week guided progressive resistance training (PRT) program on functional and independent performance in adults with ID. METHODS: Using a block randomization, 11 participants (25±6yrs) were allocated to a guided group (GG) and 11 (23±8yrs) to a non-guided group (NGG). GG received a PRT intervention in a community-based fitness center that included 3-week familiarization to promote correct and independent performance of exercises and technology-enhanced strategies to promote CAT skills (e.g., goal setting, choice-making). NGG only received the PRT intervention with instruction typically provided by a certified personal trainer. RESULTS: Paired t tests showed that after the 10-week PRT program, only the GG significantly improved (p < .05) correct and independent performance of 4 PRT exercises and scores on Six-Minute Walk Test (SMWT) and Plank Test compared to the NGG. Both groups significantly improved (p < .05) Chest Press 1RM and Leg Press 1RM. After controlling for preintervention differences, ANCOVA found practically and/or statistically significant differences between GG and NGG for postintervention Chest Press 1RM, F(1, 20) = 3.00, p = .100, ηp2 = .14; Leg Press 1RM, F(1, 20) = 7.25, p = .015, ηp2 = .29; SMWT, F(1, 20) = 10.85, p = .000, ηp2 = .38; and Plank Test, F(1, 20) = 3.49 p = .078, ηp2 = .16. CONCLUSION: The guided PRT intervention with its familiarization training and technology-enhanced CAT strategies has the potential to promote functional and independent performance in adults with ID.