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

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.

► Anxiety has negative effects on the daily living functions of people with ID.
► Acute bouts of exercise can have beneficial effects on state anxiety in people with ID.
► A short-term exercise programme can reduce anxiety states in people with ID.