The effects of a program of exercise and nutrition on body composition in adolescents and young adults with moderate cognitive disabilities: A descriptive study.

Abstract

Individuals with cognitive disabilities appear to age at a faster rate and experience chronic health problems earlier than the general population. The Surgeon General's 2000 Gap Report emphasized disparities in healthcare. The lifestyle of these individuals tends to be sedentary, with high incidence of obesity and low level of fitness. Only a handful of studies have investigated issues concerning health-related fitness in these individuals. Most were focused on examining the prevalence of obesity or behavioral interventions to ameliorate obesity.

Significant improvements in body fat percentage and basic health knowledge were obtained by participants (11) receiving an intervention of exercise training and instruction in nutrition and health concepts, when compared to the control group (7). Adolescents and young adults with moderate cognitive disabilities took part in this 12-week study with follow-up. Difference between measures used was not significant.

Over the past two decades, the prevalence of overweight and obese persons has increased dramatically and affects nearly 59 million U.S. citizens in all segments of the population. Obesity-related chronic health conditions account for 300,000 deaths annually, ranking second only to smoking as the leading preventable cause of morbidity and mortality. The most common health issue facing children is obesity, largely a result of inactivity and excessive food intake. Obesity's prevalence is rapidly increasing in minority populations that include the elderly and disabled.