Intellectual disabilities are characterised by limitations in cognitive function and skills. They include Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and genetic disorders such as Down Syndrome and Fragile X Syndrome.
Individuals with intellectual disabilities can face challenges in engaging in physical activity such as difficulty accessing exercise facilities, equipment, and programs, or knowing where to start. As a result, they have an increased risk of developing secondary health conditions related to sedentary lifestyles such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. Research has also shown people with intellectual disability have decreased strength and cardiovascular fitness compared to the rest of the population.
How does exercise physiology help intellectual disabilities?
Exercise can have many positive effects for people with an intellectual disability in improving overall health and wellbeing. Exercise has been shown to:
Assist with developing key movement patterns, coordination, and balance skills.
Improve mental health and confidence.
Decreased risk of developing other chronic conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease & depression.
Build stronger bones and muscles.
Improve sleep quality and behaviour.
Improved cognitive function, concentration, and attention.
Assist with developing social skills, daily living skills and independence.
Improve cardiovascular fitness.
Improve flexibility.
Exercise recommendations for people with an intellectual disability
The most important thing is to increase daily movement! It is recommended people with an intellectual disability engage in at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, 5 days a week. This could include activities such as walking, bike riding, swimming, jogging, wheelchair, social sports, or dancing. Strength and balance exercises should also be performed 2 days a week. There are many fun and creative ways to increase daily movement and meet these guidelines. Exercise should be tailored to specific needs and abilities to ensure it is accessible and engaging for participants.
How can Prescribe Exercise help?
Our Accredited Exercise Physiologists tailor exercise programs to participants specific needs and abilities. We provide a supervised, safe, supportive, and fun environment to promote engagement in physical activity and social interaction. We can also provide funded Exercise Physiology to NDIS participants under ‘improved daily living skills’ or ‘improved health and wellbeing’ categories as we are an NDIS registered provider.
If you are ready see one of our team or have any questions call us on (02) 4259 0384 or make an online booking via our website www.prescribeexercise.com.au
CONTACT US
Tel. (02) 4259 0384 126 Church St, Wollongong, NSW, 2500
14 Churchill Ave, Warrawong, Entry Via Mowbray Lane
Post Created By Emma - Accredited Exercise Physiologist.
Prescribe Exercise are your local exercise physiology specialists. We provide exercise rehabilitation to assist manage and prevent injury and chronic disease in the Wollongong and Illawarra area. Our programs will assist to achieve personal excellence, we do this by taking the time to educate and empower you with the highest quality care and exercise best practice available. We genuinely care for our clients and want to make a difference in your life, we will help you to get better and stay better so that you can regain control of your health once again.
Want to book in for Exercise Physiology Wollongong, head on over to our online bookings CLICK HERE