Why are their physical activity levels so low?: An overview of the literature into the facilitators and barriers to physical activity in people with intellectual disabilities

Aim: It is generally acknowledged that being physically active is important for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) because of the positive effects on physical and mental health. However, physical activity seems to be a minor part of the support provided to people with ID, especially in those with severe or profound intellectual disabilities. The aim of this study was to overview the facilitators and barriers to physical activity in people with ID. In addition, differences between direct and proxy reports were explored. Method: A systematic review was conducted using three databases (PsychINFO, ERIC, MEDLINE). All research papers were subjected to narrative analyses.Results: 22 papers investigating facilitators and barriers to physical activity in people with ID were included. Facilitators and barriers were identified in the physical activity itself, the individual with ID, the support offered and in the organization, resources and environment. Too, a discrepancy between direct and proxy reports was found.Conclusion: Gaps were identified in the literature suggesting the need to identify the facilitators and barriers to physical activity for people with the more severe ID and their direct support persons