The feasibility of vigorous resistance exercise training in adults with intellectual disabilities with cardiovascular disease risk factors.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:The cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is high in adults with intellectual disabilities. This CVD risk can potentially be decreased with a resistance training (RT) programme at vigorous intensity, following previous research on successful High-Intensity Training programmes. Our aim was to explore the feasibility of a vigorous RT-programme for adults with intellectual disabilities with CVD risk factors. METHOD:Twenty-four adults with intellectual disabilities with at least one CVD risk factor participated in a 24-week RT-programme. The training intensity was increased from novice (50%1RM) to vigorous (75%-80%1RM). Feasibility was based on the achieved training intensity at the end of the RT-programme. RESULTS:Nineteen participants finished the RT-programme. Feasibility was good as 58% (11 out of 19) of the participants worked out at vigorous intensity at the end of the programme. CONCLUSIONS:It is feasible for the majority of adults with intellectual disabilities with CVD risk factors to exercise at vigorous intensity.

SUBMITTER: Weterings S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7187317 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature