FUTURE Study Physical Activity in Individuals with Intellectual Disability

High rates of obesity and low aerobic fitness levels are related to increases in chronic disease development in the U.S. This rise in obesity is a result of a variety of factors, but one of the main one is the sedentary lifestyle that the majority of people lead, with a low percentage of Americans meetine recommended physical activity level on a daily basis. This sedentary lifestyle is especially prevalent in the special population of people with Intellectual Disability (ID). ID is a term used for an individual who shows mental limitations specifically intellectually and behaviorally (Schalock et al., 2010). Along with the mental limitations come barriers such as lack of communication and motivation that prevent these individuals from a daily active lifestyle. Therefore, many people with ID are not only at a higher risk for obesity but also at a higher risk of developing other health problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Many individuals with ID have low self-esteem and lack personal communication skills which prevent them from participating in team activities and most sports. Rimmer, Braddock, and Marks (1995) concluded that only 24 % of individuals with ID are physically active three to four days per week compared with 51 % of the general population. Inadequat