Quantifying Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Adults with Intellectual Disability: A Scoping Review of Assessment Methodologies

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Methodologies for assessing behavior form the foundation of health promotion and disease prevention. Physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) assessment methodologies have predominantly been developed for adults without an intellectual disability (ID), raising credibility concerns for adults with ID. The purpose was to synthesize the current state of assessment methodologies for quantifying PA and SB volume in the free-living setting for adults with an ID. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, eleven databases were searched through December 2023, yielding 8174 records. Data were extracted in Covidence (v.2.0), obtaining quantified PA and SB volume and assessment methodology characteristics across data collection and analysis, including tool(s) and technique(s) used, preparatory actions taken, instructions provided, and behavioral strategies employed during data collection. Results: Of the 8174 articles screened, 91 met the inclusion criteria. Common metrics included minutes/hours per day/week and steps per day/week. Despite 80% of the studies using objective techniques, substantial variation existed across studies regarding wearable models, sampling frequency and epoch length settings, calibration protocols, wearable placements, and data processing techniques. Limited studies provided instructions that did not exclusively rely on spoken language. Behavioral strategies varied, including self-monitoring, providing assistance or supervision, administering questionnaires verbally, issuing reminders, and offering monetary incentives. Conclusions: This review underscores the need for greater consistency and accessibility in PA and SB assessment methodology for adults with ID. Tailored preparation, instruction, and behavioral strategies may enhance assessment viability and suitability for adults with ID, with or without caregiver or researcher involvement in the free-living setting.

Keywords: behavioral strategies; calibration; instruction; monitoring; support needs; wearable.

Figure 1

PRISMA Flowchart.

Figure 2

Assessment tools used to quantify physical activity and sedentary behavior in adults with intellectual disability, by brand or type, including ActivInsights Ltd. (ACT; Kimbolton, UK), ActiGraph LLC (Pensacola, FL, USA), Apple Inc. (APPL; Los Altos, CA, USA), Axivity Ltd. (AXY; Newcastle upon Tyne, UK), Body Media Inc. (BDY; Pittsburgh, PA, USA), CamNtech Ltd. and Inc. (CNT; Fenstanton, UK), Fitbit International Limited (Dubin, Ireland) and LLC (Mountain View, CA, USA), Muscle Dynamics Fitness Networks (MDFN; Torrance, CA, USA), New Lifestyles Inc. (NL; Lees Summit, MI, USA), Omron Healthcare Inc. (OMRON; Kyoto, Japan), PAL Technologies Ltd. (PAL; Glasgow, UK), Polar Electro Oy (PLR; Kempele, Finland), Respironics Inc. (RESP; Murrysville, PA, USA), Stayhealthy Inc. (STY; Monrovia, CA, USA), the UCLA Wireless Community (ULCA; Los Angeles, CA, USA), and Yamax Corp of Yamasa Tokei Keiki Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan), or author derived (AD) or undetermined (CD).