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Abstract

Given the role physical activity (PA) plays in health and the need for increased PA opportunities for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), it is important to understand past and current PA interventions for this population. This systematic review identified and described intervention research targeting increases in PA skills and access for students with IDD for a 20-year time period, with emphasis on academic, behavioral, or athletic performance outcomes. Researchers examined PA as an independent variable or dependent variable in school settings within and outside the US. Following initial title and abstract screening of databases, backward searches, and forward searches, a full-text review was conducted to determine eligible studies. Researchers also evaluated included studies by the What Works Clearinghouse standards for group and single-case research designs. Researchers found and synthesized 16 studies, including a total of 432 participants with IDD spanning ages four through 21 years.

Keywords

developmental disability/ies intellectual life skills instructional strategies

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School-Based Physical Activity Interventions for Students With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Systematic Review

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