Background: Community welfare centers in Korea offer various exercise programs aimed at improving the physical and mental health of individuals with intellectual disabilities. This systematic review assesses the impact of these programs.
Objectives: To systematically review and evaluate the effectiveness of exercise programs provided by community welfare centers in Korea on the physical, psychological, and mental health of children, adolescents, and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Design: A systematic review.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted from inception to December 1, 2023, using databases such as Korea Citation Index, Research Information Sharing Service, and Korean Medical Database. Inclusion criteria were studies focusing on individuals with intellectual disabilities engaged in exercise or exercise-based rehabilitation programs.
Results: A total of 3,968 records were identified, with 14 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Of these, 6 studies focused on children and adolescents, while 8 studies involved adults. Significant improvements were observed in physical fitness, motor performance, mobility skills, pelvic alignment, abdominal obesity, blood lipids, spontaneity, physical self-concept, adaptive behavior, and social competence for children and adolescents. For adults, notable improvements were reported in balance, physical fitness, physical activity levels, upper limb function, inflammatory markers, blood lipids, adaptive behavior, satisfaction, stress reduction, self-efficacy, emotional function, and cognitive function.
Conclusion: Exercise programs provided by community welfare centers in Korea have a significant positive impact on the physical, psychological, and mental health of individuals with intellectual disabilities. These programs are essential for enhancing the quality of life for this population.