Korean Journal of Sports Science · Oct 31, 2026
Sex- and Age-Group-Related Differences in Body Composition and Health-Related Physical Fitness among Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
By Jang IY, Yoo DH
This study investigated sex- and Age-Group-Related differences in body composition and health-related physical fitness among individuals with intellectual disabilities. Physical fitness data from 10,903 individuals with intellectual disabilities collected from 18 disability fitness certification centers in South Korea were analyzed. Participants were classified into four life-stage groups: adolescents, young adults, middle-aged adults, and older adults. Body composition variables included body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage, while health-related physical fitness variables included cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, grip strength, and blood pressure. Significant sex differences were observed, with males showing higher grip strength and cardiorespiratory endurance and females showing higher body fat percentage and flexibility. Cardiorespiratory endurance decreased with age in both sexes, whereas blood pressure increased. In addition, BMI and body fat percentage were significantly associated with health-related physical fitness, with body fat percentage showing stronger relationships. These findings suggest that sex- and Age-Group-Related body composition characteristics are closely associated with health-related physical fitness in individuals with intellectual disabilities and should be considered when developing individualized intervention strategies.