Abstract
The 2023 study by Gutiérrez-Cruz et al. investigated how living environments affect the physical health of adults with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. Comparing those in independent homes to those in residential care facilities, researchers found that the independent living environment significantly favored better balance and dynamic strength.
The study highlights the impact of the coexistence environment on physical condition. It suggests that residential care facilities need to implement more frequent and intense physical activity programs to bridge the fitness gap for people with intellectual disabilities.