Author(s): DARDASHTIPOUR, E.1, FERRI, K.1, FONT-FARRÉ, M.1, AMORÓS, J.1, LERNER, V.2, GUERRA-BALIC, M.1, MONTANE, J.1, Institution: BLANQUERNA-URL, Country: SPAIN, Abstract-ID: 2177

INTRODUCTION:
Physical activity (PA) is a key determinant of health and quality of life and plays an essential role in the prevention of non-communicable diseases. Despite well-established benefits, adults with intellectual disability (ID) often experience multiple barriers to engaging in regular PA, resulting in higher levels of sedentary behavior and increased risk of overweight and obesity. While PA patterns have been widely studied in the general population, comparative evidence between adults with and without ID using standardized assessment tools remains limited. Therefore, this pilot study aims to compare levels and patterns of physical activity between adults with intellectual disability and adults without disability.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted including 25 adults divided into two groups: adults with intellectual disability (ID; n=11) and adults without disability (non-ID; n=14). Baseline characteristics, including age, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI), were recorded for all participants. Physical activity (PA) was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form (IPAQ-SF), which evaluates the frequency and duration of walking, moderate-intensity, and vigorous-intensity activities performed over the previous seven days. Total physical activity was calculated as metabolic equivalent task minutes per week (MET-min/week) according to the official IPAQ scoring protocol.
RESULTS:

Results
Adults with intellectual disability (ID) (mean age 29.8 ± 7.1 years; BMI 27.1 ± 5.2 kg/m²) and adults without disability (non-ID) (mean age 66.4 ± 4.5 years; BMI 24.3 ± 2.1 kg/m²) showed significantly different physical activity (PA) profiles (p < .05). Total PA, expressed as MET-min/week, was significantly lower in the ID group (540 ± 210 MET-min/week) compared to the non-ID group. The PA pattern in adults with ID consisted almost exclusively of walking, with minimal contribution from moderate- and vigorous-intensity activities. In contrast, adults without disability demonstrated a more balanced distribution of PA intensities, including moderate and vigorous activities. Despite their younger age, adults with ID presented higher BMI values, suggesting a discrepancy between age-related expectations and actual physical activity behavior.
CONCLUSION:
This pilot study indicates that adults with intellectual disability (ID) engage in significantly lower and less diverse physical activity than adults without disability. Their activity is predominantly walking, with minimal moderate or vigorous intensity, despite younger age and higher BMI. In contrast, non-ID adults show a more balanced activity profile. These findings highlight the need for tailored interventions to increase both intensity and variety of physical activity in adults with ID, aiming to improve overall health and reduce disparities. Future research should explore barriers and strategies to promote i