Recommendations for the Evaluation and Prescription of Strength Training in Individuals with Intellectual Difficulty and Development: Narrative Review

Abstract

There are several benefits through the realization of physical exercise programs (EP) in individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Difficulties (DID), however, the literature presents a shortage in the implementation and a small number of studies with very different methodologies and types of training. Short-term interventions, a reduced number of longitudinal studies, methodological gaps and inappropriate training methods, hinder more explicit and consensual conclusions regarding the prescription and its results. However, EP programs, in particular strength training (ST), which has been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, can be an asset for the individual with DID, given the prevalence of several comorbidities, namely hypertension, cholesterol and type II diabetes. The present study aims to identify the fundamental and structuring aspects for the prescription of ST, namely the assessment methods, intensity, duration, frequency, appropriate exercises and their relationship with the results, through the methodology using the narrative review, starting from the characterization of various ST programs implemented in individuals with DID. The results are presented in the form of recommendations for the evaluation and prescription of ST programs, in the population with DID.

Keywords: Strength assessment, Intellectual and Developmental Difficulty, Physical Exercise Program, Strength Training, Health