Alyt Oppewal

Cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with intellectual disabilities-A review

Cardiorespiratory fitness is the ability of the circulatory, respiratory and muscular systems to supply oxygen during sustained physical activity. Low cardiorespiratory fitness levels have been found in individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID), which puts them at higher risk for cardiovascular diseases and all-cause mortality. The aims of this review were to update previous reviews about (a) the cardiorespiratory fitness levels and their determinants in individuals with ID, and (b) the validity and reliability of cardiorespiratory fitness testing in individuals with ID. We searched the databases of Pubmed and Embase for relevant studies, resulting in 31 included articles. These studies mainly included younger participants with mild to moderate ID. Results confirmed previous findings of low cardiorespiratory fitness levels in individuals with ID. Cardiorespiratory fitness levels of children and adolescents with ID are already low, with further decline with increasing age. Furthermore, females have lower cardiorespiratory fitness levels than males. Physical inactivity and chronotropic incompetence are most likely to contribute to low cardiorespiratory fitness levels. Peak cardiorespiratory fitness levels of individuals with ID can be assessed with maximal treadmill protocols, after allowing for familiarization sessions. Although, predicting maximal oxygen uptake from field tests is problematic, field tests have been found valid and reliable as indicators of cardiorespiratory fitness.

Physical fitness is predictive for a decline in daily functioning in older adults with intellectual disabilities: Results of the HA-ID study

A high incidence of limitations in daily functioning is seen in older adults with intellectual disabilities (ID), along with poor physical fitness levels. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of physical fitness for daily functioning after 3 years, in 602 older adults with borderline to profound ID (≥ 50 years). At baseline, physical fitness levels and daily functioning (operationalized as basic activities of daily living [ADL] and mobility) were assessed. After 3 years, the measurements of daily functioning were repeated. At follow-up, 12.6% of the participants were completely independent in ADL and 48.5% had no mobility limitations. More than half of the participants (54.8%) declined in their ability to perform ADL and 37.5% declined in their mobility. Manual dexterity, visual reaction time, balance, comfortable and fast gait speed, muscular endurance, and cardiorespiratory fitness were significant predictors for a decline in ADL. For a decline in mobility, manual dexterity, balance, comfortable and fast walking speed, grip strength, muscular endurance, and cardiorespiratory fitness were all significant predictors. This proves the predictive validity of these physical fitness tests for daily functioning and stresses the importance of using physical fitness tests and implementing physical fitness enhancing programs in the care for older adults with ID.

Feasibility and outcomes of the Berg Balance Scale in older adults with intellectual disabilities

High incidence of falls and increased risk of fall-related injuries are seen in individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is a reliable instrument for balance assessment in the population of (older) adults with ID. The aims of this study were to assess the balance capacities of a large group of older adults with ID with the BBS and look for gender and age effects, as well as reasons for drop-out on separate items, and to identify feasible subtests for subgroups in which the complete BBS is not feasible. The balance capacities of 1050 older clients with borderline to profound ID of three Dutch care-provider services (mean age 61.6 [sd=8.0]) were assessed with the BBS. The participants who completed all items of the BBS (n=508) were the functionally more able part of the study sample. Results showed that even this functionally more able part had poor balance capacities, with a mean BBS score of 47.2, 95% CI [46.3, 48.0], similar to adults in the general population aged around 20 years older. Balance capacities decreased with increasing age and females had poorer balance capacities than males. Difficulties understanding the task and physical limitations were most often the reasons for drop-out. Feasible subtests were identified for the subgroups with very low cognitive levels and wheelchair users. Low balance capacities of older adults with ID show the need for regular screening and the urge for fall prevention programs for individuals with ID.

The effect of handedness on grip strength in older adults with intellectual disabilities

Grip strength is an important predictor of several health outcomes in the general older population. Grip strength assessment is feasible and reliable in older adults with intellectual disabilities (ID), which makes it a valuable measurement for application in this population. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of handedness on grip strength in the older population with ID. Handedness and grip strength were assessed in a sample of 1050 older adults (≥ 50 years) with borderline to profound ID. Results showed that 26.2% of the study sample was left-handed. In right-handed participants the dominant hand (right) was on average 8.7% stronger than the non-dominant hand (p<0.001). For lefthanded participants there was no significant difference between the dominant hand (left) and nondominant hand. However, more detailed analyses revealed that 34.5% of the participants were stronger with their non-dominant hand, (on average 16.6% stronger for right-handed and 16.3% stronger for left-handed participants). Because of the large strength ratios, distributed in favor of both the dominant as the non-dominant hand, it is recommended to assess both hands to get a valid result of grip strength in older adults with ID.

A 3-year follow-up study on cardiovascular disease and mortality in older people with intellectual disabilities

BACKGROUND With increasing longevity and a similar or increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors (as compared to the general population), people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. However, prospective studies on incidence and influencing factors of cardiovascular disease and mortality are lacking. METHODS A three year follow-up study was undertaken to study the incidence and symptoms at presentation of myocardial accident, stroke and heart failure in older people with ID. Furthermore, the predictive value of cardiovascular disease risk factors on myocardial accident, stroke and heart failure and on all-cause mortality were studied. The baseline group consisted of the 1050 participants, aged 50 years and over, in the Dutch Healthy Ageing and Intellectual Disability (HA-ID) study. Baseline measurements were conducted between November 2008 and July 2010. Three years after baseline, medical files of 790 participants were studied. RESULTS Cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarction, stroke and heart failure) occurred in 5.9% of the population during 3 year follow-up, and 32% of them died due to the condition. Incidence of myocardial infarction is 2.8 per 1000 personyears, for stroke 3.2 per 1000 personyears and for heart failure 12.5 per 1000 personyears. Incidence of these conditions is probably underestimated, due to atypical symptom presentation. The use of atypical antipsychotics and a history of heart failure were predictive for myocardial infarction. Heart failure was predicted by abdominal obesity, chronic kidney disease and a history of heart failure. A total of cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarction, stroke or heart failure) was predicted by abdominal obesity, a history of stroke and a history of heart failure. A low body-mass index, peripheral arterial disease, chronic kidney disease and inflammation were predictive for 3-year all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION Incidence of cardiovascular disease in older people with ID is similar to that in the general population. A pro-active assessment and treatment of the presented cardiovascular disease risk factors may reduce cardiovascular disease and mortality in older people with ID.

Gait characteristics in individuals with intellectual disabilities: A literature review

Gait is a functionally highly relevant aspect of motor performance. In the general population poorer gait increases the risk of falls and is a predictor for future disability, cognitive impairment, institutionalization and/or mortality. People with intellectual disabilities (ID) show a delayed motor development, which brings to attention the abnormalities that might accompany gait in this population throughout childhood and adulthood. Therefore, this paper aims (a) to provide a focused review of the available literature on gait characteristics in individuals with ID and (b) to gain insight into available instrumentations measuring gait in this population. We searched the database of PubMed for relevant articles and the reference lists of included articles, resulting in 44 included articles. Forty one studies reported gait characteristics during over-ground walking and six studies during perturbed walking conditions. Most studies investigated syndrome-specific ID populations, only five studies investigated the general ID population. The studies show that gait abnormalities are evident during over-ground walking in the ID population, both in people with genetic syndromes and with ID without genetic syndromes. During perturbed conditions people with ID altered their gait with stability-enhancing adaptations. Abnormalities in gait may be partly explained by physical features, but the interrelatedness between gait and cognition may also be an explanation for the gait abnormalities seen in the ID population. Further research regarding gait characteristics of the ID population, and its relation to cognitive functioning, and adverse health outcomes is needed.

The predictive value of physical fitness for falls in older adults with intellectual disabilities.

A high incidence of falls is seen in people with intellectual disabilities (ID), along with poor balance, strength, muscular endurance, and slow gait speed, which are well-established risk factors for falls in the general population. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of these physical fitness components for falls in 724 older adults with borderline to profound ID (≥ 50 years). Physical fitness was assessed at baseline and data on falls was collected at baseline and after three years. Gait speed was lowest in participants who fell three times or more at follow-up. Gait speed was the only physical fitness component that significantly predicted falls, but did not remain significant after correcting for confounders. Falls at baseline and not having Down syndrome were significant predictors for falls. Extremely low physical fitness levels of older adults with ID, possible strategies to compensate for these low levels, and the finding that falls did not increase with age may explain the limited predictive value of physical fitness found in this study.

Heart rate recovery after the 10-m incremental shuttle walking test in older adults with intellectual disabilities

Heart rate recovery (HRR) after exercise is an independent predictor for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. To investigate the usefulness of HRR in cardiorespiratory exercise testing in older adults with intellectual disabilities (ID), the aims of this study were (a) to assess HRR in older adults with ID after the 10-m incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT) and (b) its association with personal characteristics (gender, age, distance walked on the ISWT, level of ID, genetic syndrome causing ID, autism, behavioral problems, and peak heart rate (HRpeak)). HRR was assessed after the 10-m incremental shuttle walking test in 300 older adults (>50 years) with borderline to profound ID. HRR was defined as the change from HRpeak during the ISWT to heart rate measured after 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 min of passive recovery. The largest decrease in heart rate was in the first minute of recovery leveling off toward the fifth minute of recovery. An abnormal HHR (≤12 bpm) was seen in 36.1% of the participants with Down syndrome (DS) and in 30.7% of the participants with ID by other causes. After the fifth minute the heart rates of 69.4% of the participants with DS and of 61.4% of the participants with ID by other causes returned to resting levels. HRpeak and distance walked on the ISWT were positively related to all HRR measures. More severe ID was negatively related and having DS positively related to HRR after 3-5 min of recovery. The other characteristics were not significantly associated to HRR. HRR is a potentially useful outcome measure in cardiorespiratory fitness testing of older adults with ID with a direct, objective, and non-invasive measurement. Further research is needed to identify the relation between HRR and adverse health outcomes in this population.

Correlates of Sedentary Behaviour in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities—A Systematic Review

Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) are at high risk for high levels of sedentary behaviour. To inform the development of programmes to reduce sedentary behaviour, insight into the correlates is needed. Therefore, the aim of this study is to review the evidence on correlates of sedentary behaviour in adults with ID. We performed a systematic literature search in Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, Web of Science and Google Scholar up to 19 January 2018, resulting in nine included studies that were published from 2011 to 2018. Correlates were categorized according to the ecological model. Studies predominantly focused on individual level correlates. Of those correlates studied in more than one study, having epilepsy was associated with less sedentary behaviour and inconsistent results were found for sex, genetic syndromes, weight status, physical health, mobility, level of ID, and mental health. Of the few interpersonal and environmental factors studied, only living arrangements were studied in more than one study, with inconsistent results. To date, we have limited and inconclusive evidence about correlates of sedentary behaviour in adults with ID. Only when future studies unravel correlates and determinants, across all domains of the ecological model, will the potential opportunities to improve health by reducing sedentary behaviour come within reach.

Multimorbidity and Polypharmacy Are Independently Associated With Mortality in Older People With Intellectual Disabilities: A 5-Year Follow-Up From the HA-ID Study

We studied the association between multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and mortality in 1,050 older adults (50+) with intellectual disability (ID). Multimorbidity (presence of ≥ 4 chronic health conditions) and polypharmacy (presence ≥ 5 chronic medication prescriptions) were collected at baseline. Multimorbidity included a wide range of disorders, including hearing impairment, thyroid dysfunction, autism, and cancer. Mortality data were collected during a 5-year follow-up period. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the independent association between multimorbidity and polypharmacy with survival. Models were adjusted for age, sex, level of ID, and the presence of Down syndrome. We observed that people classified as having multimorbidity or polypharmacy at baseline were 2.60 (95% CI = 1.86-3.66) and 2.32 (95% CI = 1.70-3.16) times more likely to decease during the follow-up period, respectively, independent of age, sex, level of ID, and the presence of Down syndrome. Although slightly attenuated, we found similar hazard ratios if the model for multimorbidity was adjusted for polypharmacy and vice versa. We showed for the first time that multimorbidity and polypharmacy are strong predictors for mortality in people with ID. Awareness and screening of these conditions is important to start existing treatments as soon as possible. Future research is required to develop interventions for older people with ID, aiming to reduce the incidence of polypharmacy and multimorbidity.