Effects of Physical Activity Interventions on Body Composition in Korean Students With Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

In 30 seconds

This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed physical activity interventions and body composition in students with intellectual disabilities in Korea. It synthesized 21 studies, yielding 76 effect sizes, using a multilevel random-effects model. Interventions were associated with a significant small-to-moderate positive effect on body composition (Hedges' g = 0.403, 95% CI = [0.209-0.597], p < 0.001). Effects varied significantly across studies, while examined intervention characteristics did not significantly explain that variation. The authors rated certainty of evidence as low for both randomized controlled trial and non-randomized evidence.

Key findings

• Across 21 studies and 76 effect sizes, physical activity interventions had a positive effect on body composition (Hedges' g = 0.403, 95% CI = [0.209-0.597], p < 0.001).
• There was significant heterogeneity, and categorical and continuous intervention moderators were nonsignificant.
• Sensitivity analyses supported a positive effect, but the RCT-specific estimate was less precise and heterogeneous.
• GRADE certainty was low for both randomized and non-randomized evidence.

Why it matters

The findings suggest physical activity may support body composition in students with intellectual disabilities, while the substantial variation between studies and low certainty limit confidence about the size and consistency of benefit. Because no examined intervention characteristic emerged as superior, the evidence does not establish which type or amount of activity is most effective.

What to keep in mind

Evidence certainty was low for both RCT and non-randomized studies, and significant heterogeneity remained. The review could not identify intervention characteristics that consistently explained differences in effects.