Effects of an exercise programme on anxiety in adults with intellectual disabilities

Res Dev Disabil. 2012 Jul-Aug;33(4):1221-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2012.02.014. Epub 2012 Mar 22.

Abstract

Although high anxiety is common in people with intellectual disabilities (ID) and the anxiolytic effects of exercise have been systematically recognised in clinical and non-clinical populations, research is scant concerning the role played by exercise on anxiety in people with ID. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week exercise programme on anxiety states in a group of adults with ID. Twenty-seven individuals with mild to moderate ID were randomly assigned to an exercise group or a control group. The Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale adapted for individuals with ID and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory form Y were used to assess trait and state anxiety. In comparison with the control group, the anxiety scores of people in the exercise group decreased significantly over time.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anxiety Disorders / psychology*
  • Anxiety Disorders / therapy*
  • Exercise / psychology*
  • Exercise Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / complications
  • Intellectual Disability / psychology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sedentary Behavior
  • Treatment Outcome