Physical Fitness Level and the Selected Testing in Individuals with Intellectual Disability (ID): A Scoping Review

Abstract

Individuals with Intellectual disabilities (ID) demonstrate a lower level of cardiovascular fitness than their normal counterparts, which starts at an early age and deteriorates with age. A poor level of physical fitness among individuals with ID, suggesting the need to improve their cardiovascular endurance, body composition, muscular endurance, strength, and motor coordination.
This review aimed to elucidate findings on selected fitness testing used among individuals with ID and their physical fitness status. Literature was searched systematically based on PRISMA guidelines, using Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest databases. Twelve studies were included in the final analysis. There were randomised-controlled studies that investigated the measurement for fitness battery used among children, youth and athletes with ID. There are six main fitness batteries were reported to be used among ID people. Five studies reported to use Eurofit special battery, 3 studies using SAMU Dis fit, 1 study using Brockport, 1 study using Fullerton battery, while another 1 study using combination of Eurofit with Canadian Standard test and 1 study using others physical performance battery. Most of the batteries potentially to assess health and skill related fitness for special group population. The physical fitness tests also may be differ due to the differences in age factors, as a result from differ in capabilities and requirements in their daily functioning. Considering the health conditions of individual with ID, it is important to design and develop the fitness battery accordingly to provide appropriate recommendation to improve their overall wellbeing and health.