An Innovative Approach to Health Promotion and Wellness for University Students with Intellectual and Physical Disabilities: A Case Series

A university setting offers a unique opportunity to address physical activity for individuals with disabilities. The purpose of this case series was to highlight the development of a formal student-assisted exercise program and examine its impact on the perceived quality of life, exercise confidence, and functional mobility of college-aged individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. Data from twelve participants was analyzed. Seven participants demonstrated an improvement in scores on the Self-Efficacy to Exercise scale and eight improved in functional measures associated with strength. Thus, a collaborative assisted exercise program in a university setting may positively impact health and physical activity, and exercise participation in young adults with physical and/or intellectual disabilities.