Feasibility and Preliminary Outcomes of a 16-Week Hostel-Based Resistance Training Programme for Adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome

Background/Objectives: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a neurogenetic disorder marked by hypotonia, low muscle mass, and behavioural challenges that limit physical activity. Most adults with PWS also have an intellectual disability or borderline cognitive functioning. Although resistance training is beneficial, sustaining participation in community settings is difficult. This single-arm pre–post study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary outcomes of a 16-week supervised resistance training programme integrated into two specialised residential hostels. Methods: Eighteen adults with PWS (aged 22–45), the majority having an intellectual disability or borderline cognitive functioning, completed twice-weekly 60 min supervised sessions added to a daily aerobic routine. The primary outcome was feasibility (attendance and completion), and the secondary outcomes included muscular endurance and explosive power. Results: All 18 participants completed the programme (100% completion), with 99.3% attendance at the 32 scheduled sessions and no adverse events reported. In exploratory analyses adjusted for age and sex, repetitions on a fixed-load (10 kg for men, 8 kg for women) bench-press test increased (+36.4; 95% CI 22.3–50.5), reflecting muscular endurance at a fixed load rather than maximal strength. The medicine-ball throw did not change significantly after adjustment, and the handgrip strength decreased slightly. Conclusions: Hostel-based resistance training in specialised residential facilities appeared feasible in this small uncontrolled sample, with no adverse events reported. The changes in performance are preliminary and cannot be attributed to the training. Controlled studies with larger samples are needed.