The impact of leisure physical activity on the physical fitness of young adults with intellectual disabilities

For individuals with intellectual disabilities, physical capability is often assessed through abilities essential to daily living-such as coordination, balance, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility. As people age, functional strength and exercise tolerance tend to decline. This study showed that in young adults with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities, leisure physical activity improves fitness and mobility and can reduce some cardiovascular risk factors. Programs should prioritize exercises that improve gait, balance, and physical function to lower fall risk and support greater independence. These findings highlight that leisure physical activity is a simple, cost-effective way to promote health in this population.