Adding Meaning to Physical Fitness Test Results in Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-2-2019
Publication Title
Disability and rehabilitation
Volume
42
Issue
10
First page number:
1406
Last page number:
1413
Abstract
Purpose:Evaluating physical fitness in individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) is challenging, and a multitude of different versions of tests exist. However, psychometric properties of these tests are mostly unknown, and both researchers as clinical practitioners struggle with selecting appropriate tests for indi- viduals with ID. We aim to present a selection of field tests with satisfactory feasibility, reliability, and val- idity, and of which reference data are available. Methods:Tests were selected based on (1) literature review on psychometric properties, (2) expert meet- ings with physiotherapists and movement experts, (3) studies on population specific psychometric proper- ties, and (3) availability of reference data. Tests were selected if they had demonstrated sufficient feasibility, reliability, validity, and possibilities for interpretation of results. Results:We present a basic set of physical fitness tests, the ID-fitscan, to be used in (older) adults with mild to moderate ID and some walking ability. The ID-fitscan includes tests for body composition (BMI, waist circumference), muscular strength (grip strength), muscular endurance (30 second and five times chair stand), and balance (static balance stances, comfortable gait speed). Conclusions:The ID-fitscan can be used by researchers, physiotherapists, and other clinical practitioners to evaluate physical fitness in adults with ID. Recommendations for future research include expansion of research into psychometric properties of more fitness tests and combining physical fitness data on this population in larger datasets.
Keywords
Physical Fitness; Intellectual Disabilities; Assessment; Psychometric Properties; Reference Values; Feasibility
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Physical Therapy | Rehabilitation and Therapy
Language
English
Repository Citation
Hilgenkamp, T.,
Oppewal, A.
(2019).
Adding Meaning to Physical Fitness Test Results in Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities.
Disability and rehabilitation, 42(10),
1406-1413.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2018.1527399