Physical activity trials report better balance in young people with intellectual disabilities
A pooled analysis favored physical activity for balance scores, but subgroup results do not establish a best exercise type or schedule.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The review found better balance scores after physical activity interventions in children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities. It also described favorable subgroups by activity type and schedule. Those results do not establish an optimal program: the abstract provides no direct comparative estimates showing that any type, session length or frequency reliably outperformed another.
The abstract omits control details and risk-of-bias results. It does not show how balance-score changes relate to daily function or falls.
What researchers found
Balance ability: standardized mean difference
The group difference is measured relative to score variability, in standard deviations, not balance-test points or percentages. Positive favors activity; control conditions and pooled assessment timing were not specified.
What the review asked
Researchers combined randomized trials to examine whether physical activity improved balance in this population. They also explored activity types and schedules, which are separate questions from the overall pooled effect.
Reading the subgroup claims
The authors highlighted strength training and selected scheduling categories. The abstract gives no direct estimates comparing those categories, so their rankings cannot establish a superior exercise type or schedule.
The original publication
The impact of physical activity on the balance ability of children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Li D, Hu J
Acta Psychol (Amst) · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41124925
- Record checked
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