The present study examined the impact of a health promotion program on the exercise knowledge and perception, fitness, and life satisfaction of adults with Down syndrome. The participants included 16 females and 14 males with Down syndrome who have mild or moderate intellectual disabilities age 30-50. They received a 12-week, three days per week program of exercise and health behavior education. Data were collected at baseline and immediately following the intervention. Data about the participants were also collected from the caregivers/staff through self and informant reports. Outcome measures included fitness (peak VO2, strength and endurance), barriers and supports for exercising, life satisfaction, exercise perceptions and knowledge, and exercise self-efficacy. Prior to participation in the program, major barriers described by persons with disabilities and caregivers/staff included costs, motivation, transportation, and access. The facilitators to exercise included receiving encouragement and instructions from others and having someone to exercise with. The intervention resulted in increased fitness, knowledge of exercise, exercise self-efficacy, positive perceptions about exercise, environmental supports, and increases. These results show that adults with Down syndrome can understand health behavior education and benefit from an exercise program. It also provides information on how to develop health promotion programs for adults with Down syndrome.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Adherence, Exercise
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.