Outcomes of strength and balance exercise program and a walking program among older adults with intellectual disabilities

Background: Falls are a major health problem among older adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). Studies on fall prevention trials for this population are scarce. The study examines whether a 6-month strength and balance training or walking program can improve lower extremity strength.

Method: Seventy-eight participants with mild or moderate intellectual disabilities were randomly assigned to a strength and balance training (N=28), a walking program (N=18), or a control group (N=32). Participants in the strength and balance group received a 45-minute session of strength and balance exercise using a 10-lb ankle weigh, three times a week, and participants in the walking group walked 30-minutes a day, five days a week. Outcome measures included lower extremity strength (knee flexion, knee extension, and ankle dorsiflexion) and balance (timed up and go test, four scale balance test, and 4-meter walk gait speed test). The measures were assessed at baseline, post intervention, and 6 months afterwards.

Results: There were no significant group differences in the outcome measures from baseline to post-intervention. However, significant group effects on knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion were noted from post-intervention to 6 months after. Participants in the walking group improved their lower extremity strength (knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion), while decreases were noted in strength and balance participants from post-intervention to 6 months after.

Conclusions: These findings imply that adults with ID might obtain long term benefits from walking at least 150 minutes a week regularly. Implications and future research on fall prevention programs in community settings will be discussed.