Long-Term Effects of a Web-Based Exercise Programme for People With Intellectual Disabilities.
Sanna Fjellström, Nicole Stuffler, Erik P Andersson and 4 others
PMID 41549892WHAT IT FOUND
A 12-week web-based exercise programme did not maintain physical activity or body composition gains at 12 months in adults with intellectual disabilities.
Waist circumference improved immediately after the intervention but returned to baseline. Support staff engagement and social factors were key to continued participation.
Key findings
01No significant changes in physical activity levels, weight, fat mass, lean mass or waist circumference were observed 12 months after the intervention compared to baseline.
02Waist circumference significantly decreased between pre- and post-intervention, but this effect was not sustained at the 12-month follow-up.
03Participants who continued exercising cited health improvements, social interaction and staff support, while those who stopped cited lack of motivation, pain, or not knowing they could continue.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
Small sample size (n=17 analysed) limits generalisability. Physical activity levels were self-reported using the IPAQ-SF, which may be subject to overestimation and has variable reliability in this population. Food and fluid intake were not controlled prior to body composition measurements, potentially affecting accuracy. Selection bias is possible as participants may have been the most motivated from the original study. No control group for the follow-up period; changes cannot be attributed solely to the intervention's long-term effects versus natural history.
Declared interests
The study was funded by the Mid Sweden University agreement with the Municipality of Östersund. Authors declared no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that web-based exercise is ineffective for adults with intellectual disabilities. The study shows a lack of long-term maintenance of gains, not necessarily a lack of initial benefit. The failure to sustain effects may be due to insufficient support structures post-intervention rather than the intervention itself.
Summarised by AI from the full paper, without a clinician reviewing it. Check it against the source before it changes what you do. Read it on PubMed →