Effects of declared levels of physical activity on quality of life of individuals with intellectual disabilities

• Less than one-third of our sample reported regular physical activity.
• Non-exercisers reported less community engagement than those who do exercise.
• People in community settings reported exercising less than did those in institutions.
• Self-reported regular exercisers were younger than those who reported not exercising.
• Exercisers and non-exercisers had few differences in domains other than inclusion.

Routine physical fitness improves health and psychosocial well-being of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The current study investigated impact of physical fitness on quality of life by comparing individuals who maintain a physically active lifestyle with those who do not report exercising. We assessed several indicators of quality of life, including inclusion and community participation; satisfaction with professional services, home life, and day activities; dignity, rights, and respect received from others; fear; choice and control; and family satisfaction. Our data suggested that individuals who regularly exercise reported having more frequent outings into the community than did their peers who reported exercising infrequently; regular exercisers were also more likely to live in intermediate care facilities (ICF) as opposed to living independently or with family members. We discuss possible reasons for this as well as ideas for future research needed to expand on this area.