Willince Mojiin, Norhasmira Othman, Nur Syamsina Ahmad, Rosniwati Ghafar, Nurul Azuar Hamzah, Erie Zuraidee Zulkifli

PROFILING OF ANTHROPOMETRIC, BODY COMPOSITION, AND PHYSICAL FITNESS IN INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES USING THE MALAYSIA INSPIRE I-TALENT MANUAL

Introduction

Profiling of anthropometric, body composition, and physical fitness in individuals with disabilities using the malaysia inspire i-talent manual. Profiling anthropometric, body composition, and physical fitness in individuals with intellectual disabilities in Malaysia. Uncovers factors influencing explosive strength and balance for assessments.

Abstract

Introduction: People with ID were reported prone to be overweight (22.5%) and obese (23.8%) compared to the general population and demonstrated poor level of physical fitness. Aims: This study aims to identify the anthropometric measurement and physical fitness profile in individuals with intellectual disability (ID) and examine the best factors that significantly contribute to explosive strength and balance performance. Method: 124 individuals with ID in Kelantan were recruited in this study. Anthropometry, body composition, and physical fitness were measured using Inspire i-Talent manual. Results: Individuals with ID in this study were overweight (24.27 kg/m2) and their fitness levels were considered generally poor. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that lower limb explosive power variable (R= 0.864, R2= 0.747, F= 34,947, p<0.05) can be anticipated from medicine ball throw, fat percentage and 505 agility test values. In addition, for upper body explosive power (R= 0.863, R2= 0.745, F= 4.223, p= 0.042) it can be forecasted from standing long jump, body weight, gender, static balance, and arm span. Lastly, standing long jump and 505 agility tests could be the main predictor of static balance (R= 0.597, R2= 0.356, F= 6,586, p= 0.011). Conclusion: Present finding can be used as a reference for researchers in Malaysia when prescribing and implementing physical assessment in ID population.

Review

This study addresses a critical health disparity by profiling the anthropometric, body composition, and physical fitness levels of individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) in a Malaysian context. The research is highly relevant, given the documented predisposition of this population to overweight, obesity, and poor physical fitness compared to the general population. The utilization of the Malaysia Inspire i-Talent Manual as a standardized assessment tool is a notable methodological strength, offering a context-specific approach. The initial findings confirm these prevalent issues, indicating that the studied ID population in Kelantan is indeed overweight and exhibits generally poor fitness levels. A significant strength of the study lies in its analytical depth, moving beyond mere descriptive profiling to identify specific predictors for explosive strength and balance. With a substantial sample size of 124 individuals, the stepwise regression analysis provides valuable and actionable insights. The identification of medicine ball throw, fat percentage, and 505 agility test values as significant contributors to lower limb explosive power, and standing long jump, body weight, gender, static balance, and arm span for upper body explosive power, are particularly useful. Furthermore, the finding that standing long jump and 505 agility tests are main predictors of static balance offers practical indicators for focused assessment and intervention. While the abstract provides a strong overview of the study's objectives, methods, and key findings, a more comprehensive understanding of the specific age range of the participants and the detailed components and validation of the Inspire i-Talent manual would enhance the interpretation in the full paper. Nevertheless, the study successfully establishes a foundational reference point for future research and practical applications in Malaysia. The identified predictors are crucial for developing evidence-based physical assessment protocols and tailoring exercise prescriptions, thereby making a substantial contribution to improving the health and well-being of individuals with ID in the region.

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