Effect of an Exercise Science Student-Led Exercise Program at Immaculata University on

Physical and Social Outcomes in Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Students: Gianna Ellis and Randie Kuhar, B.S.
Faculty Mentors: Laurie DiRosa, Ed.D., CHES and Nicholas Racich, PT, DPT, OCS
Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences
Background Table 1. Session Overview Table 2. Physical Outcomes

Adults living with intellectual and developmental Fitness Component Minutes Assessment Pre Post (p-value)
Clinical
Warm-Up/Cardio 10 Change
disabilities (IDD) experience both lower physical activity
BESS 19.2 17.8 0.132
levels and social interactions than their age-related peers. Strength 30
Therefore, they are at risk for an overall decrease in DGI 16 21 0.005 +
Flexibility 10
psychosocial well-being , quality of life, as well as TUG 8.6s 7.9s 0.086
Balance 10
decreased motor function, visual, and motor Functional Reach 21.9cm 30.2cm 0.020 +
coordination. While physical activity has been proven in Wall Sit 38.4s 140.6s 0.025 +
the literature to improve these health outcomes, adults Data Collection Grip Strength (R) 17.6kg 21.4kg 0.055 +
with IDD are less likely to participate in physical activity Physical
programs due to the lack of social support and The following objective measures were assessed A score of 20+ on DGI and 25+ on Functional Reach
opportunity. Our program aims to provide a safe, during intake (Week 1) and conclusion of program indicates a decrease in fall risk, which is a notable
supervised, inclusive social space to increase fitness and (Week 8): clinical change amongst our participants. Socially,
socialization amongst this population. ∙ Grip Strength ∙ Wall Sit trainers reported a decreased need for cueing and
∙ Timed Up and Go ∙ Balance Error Scoring System increased communication among participants, with less
Participant Description ∙ Functional Reach ∙ Dynamic Gait Index reliance on caretakers. This indicates positive
Social improvement in terms of their communication abilities.
There were a total of 5 participants with IDD
assessed for this project: 1 male and 4 females with An electronic survey with 15 questions was emailed to
the trainers regarding ability to communicate with Discussion and Conclusion
an average age of 26 years and average BMI of 25.2. clients, need for and frequency of verbal cueing.
Each participant was cleared for activity through the Impact on Health Profession
physical activity readiness (PAR-Q 2022) form. All Outcomes • Future health professionals are learning key
participants are community-dwelling with members communication skills and gaining confidence in their
Figure 1. Trainer Perspectives on Socialization (Pre-Post) ability to serve individuals with IDD, a community
of their family. Fitness trainers (n=10) participated in 10
Strongly Agree
they will be interacting with in their future
the qualitative survey on socialization. 9 Agree professions.
Neutral Inclusive and Safe Environment
Trainer Responses (#)

Training Program (GetFIT@IU)
Undergraduate student-trainers lead participants
through an individualized training program that
addresses cardiovascular endurance, strength,
flexibility and balance (see Table 1). Participants
come to the Immaculata Fitness Center 2-3 times
per week for 6-8 weeks with baseline and post-test
data collected at week 1 and week 8. Exercise
prescription and progressions are designed by
Exercise Science faculty undergraduate students.
8
Disagree
• Members of the IDD community felt safe and
7 Strongly Disagree
welcome in a new fitness environment with trainers
6
they were not previously familiar with, which is key
5
in motivating lifelong participation in fitness
4 activities.
3 Future Research
2 • Family members and caretakers will be included in
1 future qualitative studies, to determine how
0 participation in the program impacts socialization at
Outgoing Nature at Social Relationships Social Improvements home and in the community.
start of GetFIT with Gym Members after GetFIT