Learning disabilities
Learning disabilities
Feature
© kali9 via Getty Images
© koldo studio via Getty Images
and social care( NHS England 2022). More often than not, learning disability is not the cause for these issues.
Compared with the general population, the issue of obesity is more prevalent among the learning disability community, particularly among women and those women living in community settings( LeDeR Programme 2019).
Obesity is defined as having a BMI of 30 or more, while being overweight is associated with people who have a BMI of over 25.
Generally, being overweight raises the risk of serious health problems, including diabetes, heart failure, stroke and overall quality of life( LeDeR Programme 2019; PHE 2020). However, many individuals with learning disabilities rely on others for their dietary intake and / or access to engagement in physical activities( LeDeR) Programme 2019).
People with a learning disability may also have mobility difficulties, which play a part in being able to engage in certain exercises. Additionally, they may have mental health or behavioural issues and have challenging finances( Halland House 2023).
As an occupational therapist I’ m particularly interested in how people can optimally engage in activities of daily living. While activity doesn’ t necessarily equate to exercise, most activities do nevertheless involve physical movements, therefore it is important for individuals to be supported in being able to do this( RCOT 2019).
Moreover, we know that engaging in regular activities of everyday life also helps individuals improve their wellbeing; people gain a sense of belonging and purpose, self-esteem and social connectedness, which in turn relieves stress and boredom, while improving concentration and memory( RCOT 2019).
With all of this in mind, I was delighted to join a multidisciplinary team to try and address some of these issues.
Setting up and inviting participants
Our health initiative’ s title –‘ I Like to Move it Move it’ – says it all. It has rhythm, it has music, it has fun, it’ s positive, it’ s forward looking – it moves!
With our offices conveniently based above a Better Leisure Centre, we were able to rent gym-studio space for one morning a week for a period of eight weeks. Two designated gym instructors led a free, accessible, tailor-made exercise programme, for around 20 individuals with a learning disability. Some attended with their support-workers, but all received the
September 2025 OTnews 29