Meta-analysis of effectiveness of community-based interventions in improving physical activity in youth with intellectual disability

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The effects of home or community-based interventions in increasing physical activity in youth with intellectual disabilities are yet to be known. Such information is important in designing the care for this population because of their increased susceptibility to lifestyle diseases that affect their quality of life. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of home or community-based interventions in increasing physical activity levels in youth with intellectual disabilities.

Methodology: Eight databases were searched to identify intervention studies available in English that
investigated the effects of home or community-based interventions on physical activity levels in youth with intellectual disabilities. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and meta-analysis using a random effects model. Effect sizes were calculated as standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals.

Results: Six randomized controlled trials were included in this review. Home or community-based
interventions had a small effect in improving physical activity levels in youth with intellectual disabilities. These effects did not reach statistical significance for physical activity levels (d = 0.33; CI = -0.11 to 0.78; p = 0.14), number of steps per unit of time (d = 0.23; CI = -0.23 to 0.68; p = 0.32), and time spent inactive (d = 0.15; CI = -0.29 to 0.60; p = 0.50).

Conclusion: Home or community-based interventions may be effective in increasing physical activity levels in youth with intellectual disabilities. Further research with homogeneous outcome measures and larger sample sizes need to be conducted to build on the results of this review.

Published online: July 13, 2022