A resistance exercise set for a total body workout for adults with intellectual disabilities, a pilot study

• Published in: Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities Vol. 32; no. 3; pp. 730 - 736
• Main Authors: Weterings, Stijn, Oppewal, Alyt, Eeden, Florien M. M., Hilgenkamp, Thessa I. M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Wiley-Blackwell 01-05-2019; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc; John Wiley and Sons Inc
• Subjects: Adults; Brief Report; Exercise; exercise set; Human Body; Intellectual disabilities; Intellectual Disability; Physical Fitness; Program Effectiveness; resistance training; Sarcopenia; Strength training; total body workout; Training; resistance training; total body workout; exercise set; intellectual disability; adults
• ISSN: 1360-2322; 1468-3148
• DOI: 10.1111/jar.12552

Background
Resistance training has beneficial effects on fitness levels, cardiovascular disease risk, risk of sarcopenia and on performing activities of daily living. The focus of this study is to design a total body resistance exercise set for adults with intellectual disabilities (RESID) with minimal equipment required and to test its feasibility.
Method
The RESID was selected in an expert meeting, and its feasibility was determined in a cross‐sectional pilot study. The feasibility was determined with completion rate, correct execution of exercises and the participant's experience.
Results
The expert group (n = 7) selected seven exercises for the RESID. The participants (N = 11) performed the RESID twice during regular sports classes. Completion rate and correctness were excellent for all exercises. The participants did not experience any major problems with the RESID.
Conclusions
The RESID is feasible for use in different training settings. A physiotherapist or fitness instructor is required to supervise the training sessions.