What do NCI data show about physical activity?
The spring weather and sunshine motivated us to take a look at NCI data and what they show about individuals with ID/DD and physical activity. We looked at the 2011-2012 administration of the Adult Consumer Survey. No tests of statistical significance were conducted for this data brief.
Physical activity is first assessed in the Background Information section of the Adult Consumer Survey, which is filled out by looking at agency records or information systems. Of the total sample in 2011-2012 (n=10387), 37.6% of respondents engaged in moderate physical activity for 30 minutes or more at a time.
It’s interesting to look at the data on physical activity by residence type. As is evident from the table below, individuals in institutions participated in moderate physical activity for 30 minutes or more at a time at a lower rate than those living in other types of residences.
Does person routinely engage in any moderate physical activity for 30 minutes or more at a time?
|
|
Residence Type |
||||
|
Institution |
Community Based Residence |
Independent home/apt |
Parent/relative’s home |
Other
|
|
|
No |
72.5% |
56.6% |
50.2% |
53.2% |
56.9% |
|
Yes |
20.9% |
37.0% |
44.4% |
39.2% |
34.4% |
In Section II of the Adult Consumer Survey, which is answered by the individual receiving services or a proxy who knows the individual well, NCI asks respondents whether they have participated in specific community activities in the past month. In order to corroborate the findings demonstrated above, it is very interesting to look at the data regarding exercise in the community by residence type. Again, it is clear that individuals in institutions did not participate in exercise in the community at the same rate as those living in other types of residence.
In the past month, do you (does this person) go out for exercise in the community?
|
|
Residence Type |
||||
|
Institution |
Community Based Residence |
Independent home/apt |
Parent/relative’s home |
Other
|
|
|
No |
62.9% |
44.3% |
39.6% |
40.5% |
43.6% |
|
Yes |
37.1% |
55.7% |
60.4% |
59.5% |
56.4% |
Levels of disability and mobility also vary by residence type. For example, one-third (33.3%) of survey respondents living in institutions are non-ambulatory, while 57.6% of survey respondents living in institutions have profound ID. Although these numbers may be seen as obstacles to physical activity, it is important that everyone get the opportunity to integrate activity into their lives.
These data on physical activity are important to consider when we think about how to design policy to encourage health and wellness for individuals with ID/DD. Looking at sub-populations within the NCI sample could lead to more targeted interventions that will benefit those most in need.
As always, we would love to hear your thoughts on these data. Please contact me at dhiersteiner@hsri.org
Please note: The 2011-12 data reports will be released and placed on the NCI website this spring. For more in depth analysis of previous years’ NCI Adult Consumer Survey data please see http://www.nationalcoreindicators.org.