Relationship between Physical Activity Levels, Lower Limb Muscle Strength, and Aerobic Capacity in Children with Intellectual Disabilities

Badriya Al-Hadabi, Heba El-Ashkar, Fadi Fayad

Abstract


Background: Due to their frequent inactivity, children with intellectual disabilities are more likely to be obese and experience other health problems. Early evaluations of physical activity can lower health risks and increase activity levels. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate physical activity levels and determine their relationship with lower limb muscle strength and aerobic capacity in school students with intellectual disability. Methods: Fifteen female school students (12.4 ± 2.1 years) with intellectual disabilities were recruited purposively in this descriptive cross-sectional study. Physical Activity (PA), lower limb muscle strength, and Aerobic Capacity were assessed during regular school days using a triaxial accelerometer, countermovement vertical jump (CMJ - FCMJ) tests, and the 6-minute walk test, respectively. Results: Physical activity level was generally low (22 min/day of combined MPA and VPA), while the inactivity level was high (8 hours, 45 minutes/day). Inactivity or sedentary behavior (SB) significantly decreases lower limb muscular strength (CMJ, r = -0.559 and FCMJ, r = -0.609). However, muscular strength is significantly increased by light PA (CMJ, r = 0.411 and FCMJ, r = 0.475), moderate PA (CMJ, r = 0.411 and FCMJ, r = 0.449), and vigorous PA (CMJ, r = 0.699 and FCMJ, r = 0.666). Results also showed that the longer the daily vigorous activity was, the higher the aerobic capacity would be (r = 0.890). Conclusion: Adopting programs to improve lifestyle and physical activity for children with intellectual disabilities is crucial. Research should include larger and diverse samples and track activity over weekends.

Keywords


Physical Activity, Motor Skills, Muscle strength, Lower Extremity, Aerobic Capacity, Intellectual disability, Functional Mobility.

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijkss.v.13n.2p.92

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