An exploration into self‐reported inactivity behaviours of adults with an intellectual disability using physical activity questionnaires

Background Inactivity is a correlate of adverse health. Adults with an intellectual disability (ID) are more inactive than the general population and often present with more complex health issues. Self‐reported activity questionnaires such as the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form (IPAQ‐SF) and Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA) questionnaire are the predominant source of activity information because of their low cost, non‐invasive nature, ease of administration and interpretation of results. Methods Correlates of inactivity among the general and ID populations were identified through a literature scoping review. Inactivity was measured using the RAPA and the IPAQ‐SF. A multiple‐imputation chained equation was used to impute missing data. Using Pearson chi‐squared analyses, relationships between these correlates as well as covariates of age, sex, level of ID, body mass index (BMI) and aetiology, and RAPA and IPAQ‐SF categories were explored. Logistic regression provided more detailed analyses. Results were summarised using the Systems of Sedentary Behaviour framework. Spearman correlations examined the IPAQ‐SF and RAPA relationships. Results Three correlates for inactivity emerged from the IPAQ‐SF and RAPA questionnaire. Up after 07:00 h was a correlate for both. Difficulty walking 100 yards and epilepsy were additional correlates of inactivity. Weak but significant correlations were seen between IPAQ‐SF and RAPA scores. Conclusions High inactivity levels are present in adults with an ID. The IPAQ‐SF and RAPA questionnaires are weakly correlated.