Effect of training on health and functional status in older adults with intellectual disability

Policy makers and the welfare system need to respond to the unique needs and expectations of ageing people with a lifelong intellectual disability (ID). Lack of physical activity, along with functional decline, may result in falls-yet little attention has been paid to the balance capability of older adults with ID. A total of 27 participants, chosen from a sample of foster home residents in Haifa, Israel, were assigned to two groups for this study: group A underwent a 6-month balance training programme and group B underwent a 6-month muscle strengthening programme. The evaluation procedures included the short-form health survey questionnaire, a physical performance test and a functional reach test. The results showed improvements in function between baseline tests and post-training programme tests in both groups, yet group A demonstrated a more significant improvement in balance capability and general health.