The use of recreational therapy-based physical activity for adolescents diagnosed with intellectual disabilities

Adolescents with intellectual disabilities (IDs) have lower physical activity (PA) levels, higher body mass index (BMI), and a higher risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Specific programming focusing on adaptations, teamwork, and motivation has been found to promote PA in adolescents with IDs. Recreational therapy provides unique PA programming, focusing on physical components, while also including social, cognitive, and emotional functioning skills. Purpose: To examine the effects of a recreational therapy-based PA intervention on cholesterol levels, glucose, weight, BMI, flexibility, upper and lower body strength, and aerobic endurance in adolescents diagnosed with ID. Methods: Adolescents (n = 21) attending a psychiatric rehabilitation treatment facility participated in a 30-minute recreational therapy-based PA intervention 3 days per week for 8 weeks. Pre- and post-assessments included waist circumference, weight, blood sample (low-density lipoprotein [LDL] and high-density lipoprotein levels, glucose), strength (hand grip and 10 rep timed chair stands), aerobic endurance (6-minute walk test), and flexibility (sit and reach). Demographics were assessed using mean and standard deviation (mean ± SD). Comparisons between pre- and post-assessments were assessed using dependent t-tests. The Shapiro–Wilk test was used to check for normality in data. SPSS (v.27) was used for statistical analysis. Results: Participants (age 15.76 ± 2.81 years, m = 15, f = 6) demonstrated a significant decrease in their LDL scores between pre- and post-tests (pre: 91.85 ± 20.61 mg/dL; post: 85.40 ± 22.58 mg/dL), with a medium effect size (p = 0.014, d = 0.60). Timed chair stands decreased in time (pre: 37 ± 16.76 seconds; post: 32.22 ± 10.57 seconds) and showed a trend toward significance (p = 0.055) with a small effect size (d = 0.47). Conclusion: Based on evidence, it can be suggested that participation in recreational therapy-based PA is beneficial for individuals with IDs. Professionals who encourage a combination of individual and game-based PA in individuals with IDs may see improved health outcomes.