Physical Training and Well-being in Older Adults with Mild Intellectual Disability: A Residential Care Study

Good mental health in people with intellectual disabilities: a systematic review

While mental disorders have been broadly researched in people with intellectual disabilities (ID), comparatively less attention has been given to the conceptualisation of good mental health for this population. To capture existing concepts, definitions and measurement approaches of good mental health a systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. The search was carried out in eleven databases, using various synonyms of (i) intellectual disability, (ii) mental health, (iii) wellbeing, (iv) definition, and (v) assessment. A total of 2,046 datasets were identified, of which 37 met the inclusion criteria and were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and content analysis. Results show four main themes: (1) environment, (2) absence of mental illness, (3) physical health, and (4) psychosocial functioning. The fourth was the most dominant theme and was further divided into five sub-themes: (1) emotionality, (2) interpersonal relations, (3) realise own potential, (4) personal resources, and (5) overall appraisal of life. Our findings reveal different conceptualisations of wellbeing, which is a vital part of good mental health, but highlight a notable research gap in the actual definition and conceptualisation of good mental health for people with ID.

A systematic review on the effect of exercise interventions on challenging behavior for people with intellectual disabilities

BACKGROUND

Challenging behavior, such as aggressive or self-injurious behavior, is a major concern for the health and well-being of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) and for their relatives, friends, and caregivers. The most common contemporary treatments have drawbacks, such as the adverse side effects of antipsychotics. Exercise interventions could be a good alternative, but little is known about its beneficial effects on challenging behavior in people with ID yet.

METHOD

A systematic review of the literature was done and methodological quality of the selected studies has been judged on four points. With one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), the effect of exercise interventions on challenging behavior was studied. The effect of low versus high intensity exercise interventions was studied with independent samples T-test using mean improvement scores.

RESULTS

Twenty studies studying the effects of exercise interventions on challenging behavior in people with ID have been found. A quantitative evaluation of the results showed a significant decrease in challenging behavior after participating in an exercise intervention (M=30.9%, 95% CI: 25.0, 36.8). Furthermore, no significant difference was found between high (M=32.2%) and low (M=22.9%) intensity exercise interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

The found decrease in challenging behavior shows that exercise seems to be recommendable as an effective treatment for people with challenging behavior and ID. However, most studies were of low methodological quality and more research is needed to optimize recommendations about the exact intensity, duration, frequency, and mode (group or individual) of exercise interventions for this group of people.

Motivational correlates of physical activity in persons with an intellectual disability: a systematic literature review

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to systematically retrieve, examine and discuss scientific studies focusing on motivational correlates that both contribute to, and can be assumed to be effects of, participation in sport, recreation, or health-related physical activities in persons with intellectual disability (ID).

METHODS

A systematic analysis of the literature retrieved through electronic databases and other resources was performed, covering articles published from 1980 through 2009. Inclusion criteria were based on terms referring to the participants, the psychosocial correlates and the type of activity.

RESULTS

Twenty-three articles satisfied the inclusion criteria, and were divided into four categories of studies: (1) cross-sectional designs, (2) experimental prospective one-group designs, (3) longitudinal comparative intervention designs, and (4) qualitative designs. The level of quality regarding the intervention studies was assessed using four different scales, and on average they depicted a moderate level of evidence.

CONCLUSIONS

Both exercise and sport-related activities seem to contribute to well-being. Improved physical fitness and elevated skill level gained during exercise and sport activities appear to serve as mediators for increased perceptions of self-efficacy and social competence. Peer modelling, as well as video and audio reinforcement, appear to be important modalities in maintaining compliance to exercise programmes.