DAILY PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY IN ADULTS WITH MILD AND MODERATE LEARNING-DISABILITIES - IS THERE ENOUGH

Purpose: Whilst the health benefits associated with regular physical a ctivity are well known, little objective evidence exists regarding the activity profiles of adults with mild and moderate learning disabilit ies. The aims of the present study were to establish 7 day physical ac tivity profiles for 24 adults with mild and moderate learning disabili ties and to compare them with the general population and current Depar tment of Wealth recommendations for physical activity. Method: A descr iptive study was used, based on interviews with 24 adults with learnin g disabilities (mean age 34 years) triangulated by daytime and residen tial care workers. Participants volunteered from two residential homes and one social education centre (SECT) in a city in the North of Engl and. Results: The physical activity profiles show that the participant s led sedentary lifestyles that were more exaggerated than those of th e general population. Twenty-two participants (93%) performed signific antly less than the minimum daily levels of physical activity recommen ded by the Department of Health. Conclusions: Few adults with learning disabilities can choose to walk to work, go for a run or visit the lo cal swimming pool without adequate support. This study suggests that t here may not be enough moderate or vigorous physical activity choices available in day and residential care settings to empower adults with mild and moderate learning disabilities to meet the minimum recommenda tions of the Department of Health. Hence some people with learning dis abilities have no alternatives to a sedentary lifestyle and the health risks associated with physical inactivity.