Evaluación de la condición física relacionada con la salud en escolares con discapacidad intelectual del desarrollo: una revisión de la literatura

Authors

Abstract

Introduction: Intellectual developmental disability (IDD) is characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, which impact motor development, participation in physical activities, and the health status of the school-age population. The objective of this review was to analyze the scientific evidence regarding the characteristics of school-age children with intellectual developmental disability and the main components and tests used to assess health-related physical fitness. To this end, a descriptive review of the scientific literature published in Scielo, Dialnet, LILACS, Google Scholar, and Scopus was conducted, considering studies related to the clinical, cognitive, and behavioral characteristics of intellectual disability, as well as research on the assessment of physical fitness in this population. The reviewed evidence shows that schoolchildren with intellectual disabilities have lower levels of physical fitness, a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity, poorer motor skills, and a greater risk of developing chronic noncommunicable diseases compared to their peers without disabilities. Furthermore, the studies identify body composition, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and flexibility as the main components assessed, using tests such as the Brockport Physical Fitness Test, Eurofit Special, and FUNfitness. It is concluded that assessment using adapted field tests is a fundamental strategy for establishing functional diagnoses, guiding adapted physical activity programs, and promoting the health and quality of life of schoolchildren with developmental intellectual disabilities.

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