Association between physical fitness, body mass index and intelligence quotient in individuals with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

BackgroundPhysical exercise seems to improvecognitive abilities at different physiological levels.Numerous studies have examined the relationshipbetween physicalfitness (PF), physical activity andcognition among populations without intellectualdisabilities (ID), but very few have addressed thisquestion with respect to people with ID. This studyaimed to determine the correlation betweenintelligence quotient (IQ) and factors related to PF inhealthy adults with ID.MethodsA multicentre cross-sectional study wasconducted in91individuals with ID. All participantswere assessed with the K-BIT tests and the followingtest items from the SAMU DIS-FIT Battery: bodymass index, handgrip strength (HGS), leg strength,dynamic balance and physical endurance.ResultsSignificant differences between men andwomen were tested by multiple regression. IQ wasfound to be statistically related to HGS and legstrength, with a medium effect size. Statisticalrelationships were also found between sex andphysical endurance, with a medium effect size, andHGS, with a large effect size. ConclusionsThe study results highlight relationshipsbetween the variables of muscular strength and theparticipants’IQ. Further studies with experimentaldesigns are needed to enhance the understanding ofthe relationships between PF and cognition in personswith ID.