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

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