Web‐based training intervention to increase physical activity level and improve health for adults with intellectual disability

Abstract

Background Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) are less physically active, have a higher body mass index (BMI) and are at greater risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) than people without ID. The purpose of the study was to explore the effectiveness of a web-based training programme, consisting of 150 min of activity per week, on the health of people with ID. Method Participants with ID living in supported accommodation (n = 28, 48% female, age = 36.4 ± 9.56 years) participated in a web-based training programme, consisting of a combination of exercises (endurance, strength balance and flexibility) of moderate intensity, 50 min, three times per week for 12 weeks. The body composition and waist circumference (WC) were measured, and questionnaires were used to assess enjoyment, quality of life (QoL) and physical activity (PA) level. Descriptive statistics and pairwise comparison pre and post intervention were carried out. Results A total of 22 out of 28 participants completed the 12-week training intervention with 83% mean attendance of training sessions. The intensity of the PA level increased and a decrease in fat mass of 1.9 ± 2.4 kg, P < 0.001 and WC of 3 ± 5 cm, P = 0.009 were observed. Enjoyment of training sessions was 3.9 out of 5, and no differences in QoL were found. Conclusion A web-based training programme is an effective tool for improving health parameters of people with ID and offers a new way for caregivers to enhance the PA for the target group.

Increasing physical activity through an adapted web‐based exercise program for people with intellectual disabilities: Support staff are crucial for feasibility

“…The results from the current qualitative study present a deeper understanding of the results of the previous study which aimed to study outcomes on the level of PA, body mass, and waist circumference, and where significant positive changes were observed (Fjellstrom et al, 2022). The deeper understanding involves experiences from support staff, indicating that a web-based exercise program is feasible for the target group, and one way to overcome challenges for PA, where the role of the staff is crucial.…”

“…This qualitative study was part of an overarching intervention study conducted to evaluate the effects of adapted web‐based exercise for people with intellectual disabilities performed during autumn 2020. In a previously published study, the intervention is described in detail (Fjellstrom et al, 2022). Adults with intellectual disabilities living in community‐based settings were recruited for a web‐based exercise intervention study that included 50 min of exercise at moderate intensity, three times a week for 12 weeks, where baseline and follow‐up assessments were used to capture the effects of the web‐based exercise program.…”

“…Digital tools have been used to motivate people with intellectual disabilities to improve PA, for instance, smartphone reminders have been successful in improving PA for the target group (Kurti et al, 2015; Perez‐Cruzado & Cuesta‐Vargas, 2017). A previous study explored the feasibility and effectiveness of an adapted web‐based exercise program for people with intellectual disabilities (Fjellstrom et al, 2022). For many people with intellectual disabilities, visiting new places is demanding and transportation to the training facility can be challenging (Bodde & Seo, 2009; Bossink et al, 2017; van der Ploeg et al, 2004).…”

Program evaluation of a virtual physical activity program for individuals with disabilities

“…A pilot study conducted by Sharma and colleagues ( 20 ) focused on the outcomes of a virtual adapted physical activity program for youth with physical disabilities, with results indicating high program compliance, social cognitive benefits, and increased self-reported physical activity behaviours among participants. The use of online pre-recorded physical activity interventions for adults with intellectual disabilities was also found to be a feasible program option that presents benefits to physical activity participation and overall health for its participants ( 21 ).…”

“…program altering program delivery, the gap in the literature provided little support in the creation or expected program outcomes. Recent studies provided positive feedback on virtual adapted physical activity programs ( 20 , 21 ); however, as online adapted programming is a relatively new area of research, the full impact of virtual programming is unknown. Therefore, this program evaluation examined the feasibility and impact of using an online platform to deliver adapted physical activity programming to improve participant physical literacy and physical activity.…”