Exploring adapted physical activity (APA) for individuals with intellectual and relational disability: findings from an exploratory Italian study

Abstract Adequate physical activity is crucial for health, preventing diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and depression. The WHO advises adults to engage in 150 min of moderate or 75 min of intense activity weekly, with higher recommendations for seniors. Yet, those with intellectual relational disability (IRD) or psychiatric disorders often struggle due to exclusion from programs. In spring 2022, 203 IRD and 28 psychiatric disorder patients from Fondazione Sacra Famiglia participated in weekly 75 min APA sessions supervised by a kinesiologist and educator, using a customized “Modular APA” approach. Tests included Chair Sit and Reach, hand strength, Tug tests, heart rate, visual analog scale (VAS), and saturation levels. Multilevel statistical analysis adjusting for age and gender showed significant improvements with regard to “Chair Sit and Reach test” in severe and mild patients and “Tug test” across all patients, with most gains in initially less active patients. Psychiatric patients also improved in “Tug test”. This study underscores APA’s feasibility and benefits in enhancing physical performance and potentially life quality for IRD and psychiatric patients. Future efforts should increase APA frequency, integrate it into health standards, and base prescriptions on scientific criteria for sustained improvements and reduced healthcare costs.