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Gender differences in physical activity and sedentary behaviour in adults with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Author(s) -
Westrop Sophie C.,
Melville Craig A.,
Muirhead Fiona,
McGarty Arlene M.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1468-3148
pISSN - 1360-2322
DOI - 10.1111/jar.12648
Subject(s) - intellectual disability , meta analysis , psychological intervention , psychology , systematic review , narrative review , population , physical activity , gerontology , clinical psychology , developmental psychology , medicine , medline , psychiatry , physical therapy , environmental health , political science , law , psychotherapist
Background Adults with intellectual disabilities are reported to be highly inactive, with research required to understand contributory factors. This systematic review aimed to investigate gender differences in physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) in adults with intellectual disabilities. Methods This systematic review was reported in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Seven databases were searched up to, and including, January 2018. Screening identified papers that assessed gender‐specific PA and/or SB outcomes in adults with intellectual disabilities. Data were synthesized using a narrative synthesis and random effects model meta‐analyses. Results Twenty‐six papers were included; 25 measured PA, and eight assessed SB. Women with intellectual disabilities were least active with a significant overall effect of gender identified. For SB, no consistent gender differences were found. Conclusions Reflecting the general population, men with intellectual disabilities were most active. Intellectual disability research should consider the role of gender to inform future interventions targeting inactivity.