Efficacy of a Peer-Guided Exercise Programme for Adolescents with Intellectual Disability

• Published in: Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities Vol. 25; no. 4; pp. 319 - 328
• Main Authors: Stanish, Heidi I., Temple, Viviene A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.07.2012; Wiley-Blackwell; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: adolescence; Adolescent; Adolescents; community; Exercise; Exercise Therapy - methods; Feasibility Studies; Female; Humans; Intellectual disabilities; Intellectual Disability; Intellectual Disability - rehabilitation; Male; Mental Retardation; Muscular Strength; Patient Care Planning; Patient Compliance; Peer Group; Peer Relationship; Physical Fitness; Pilot Projects; Pretests Posttests; Program Effectiveness; Recreational Activities; Social Support; Sports training; Teenagers; Urban Health; Weightlifting; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1360-2322; 1468-3148; 1468-3148
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3148.2011.00668.x

Background  Peer support is strongly associated with physical activity of adolescents. This study examined the efficacy of a YMCA‐based, peer‐guided exercise training programme for increasing health‐related physical fitness among adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Materials and Methods  Adolescents with intellectual disabilities and typically developing peer partners provided reciprocal support during 1‐h exercise sessions that included aerobic exercise, weight training and stretching activities. The programme was conducted 2 days/week for 15 weeks and pre‐ and post‐test fitness testing was conducted. Results  Participants demonstrated significant improvements in curl‐ups, 6‐min walk and BMI. Exercise session attendance was high and participants typically completed all of the prescribed aerobic and stretching exercises, whereas weight training exercises were completed less consistently. Conclusions  This peer‐guided model integrates social and instructional support for adolescents with intellectual disabilities and may encourage exercise participation in community settings.