Differences in Special Olympics athletes and non-athletes with intellectual disability: Physical activity, strength and aerobic fitness

Adults with intellectual disability (ID) have higher degree of sedentary lifestyle and participate in physical activity less compared to the general population. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to analyse if participation in Special Olympics increase the level of physical activity (PA) and influence physical health aspects such as BMI, muscular strength and aerobic fitness for people with ID. Data were analysed from the Special Olympics Sweden Invitational Games 2020, on athletes (n=38) and non-athletes with ID (n=20), of strength (partial sit-up-, seated push-up-, handgrip- and timed sit to stand test), aerobic fitness (2 min step up test), BMI and a PA-questionnaire. Athletes showed higher levels of PA moderate intensity, both groups had high BMI, low levels of aerobic fitness and strength. This study indicate that Special Olympics athletes and non-athletes with ID need to increase their physical activity of both strength training and PA higher intensity to improve physical health aspects.