Everyday Technology to Help People with Intellectual and Other Disabilities Access Stimulation via Functional Motor Responses and Improved Body Posture

Using mobile health to encourage physical activity in individuals with intellectual disability: a pilot mixed methods feasibility study

Background

Many individuals with intellectual disability (ID) have a sedentary lifestyle. Few interventions aimed at increasing their level of physical activity (PA) have shown lasting effects.

Aim

To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a pilot intervention study using innovative mobile health (mHealth) support systems to encourage PA in individuals with ID.

Methods

Nine individuals with ID and a low level of PA, aged 16-36 years, were included in the present convergent triangulation mixed method design. Two mHealth support systems (apps) were developed and tested. PA was measured with a Fitbit smartwatch, accelerometer, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-S), and Goal attainment scaling. Data were collected through online pre-, mid- (4 weeks), and post-intervention (12 weeks) questionnaires and activity trackers. Semi-structured qualitative interviews with participants and/or a family or staff member were held after the 12-week follow-up. Data were analyzed using conventional nonparametric statistics and thematic analyses.

Results

The response rate and retention to the trial were 16% and 100%, respectively. Data quality was high, except for missing data from Fitbit activity trackers of approximately 30% from the 4- and 12-week follow-up stages. The feasibility challenges with activity trackers include rashes, size, non-acceptance, and loss of motivation. Participants and family members/staff reported interest in the study theme and were pleased with the data collection method. All but one participant achieved their PA goals. Most participants reported being satisfied with the apps as they were enjoyable or provided a reminder for performing physical and other activities. Social support for PA among family members also increased. However, app support from staff and family members was needed, and apps were not used regularly. Two of nine participants (22%) had increased their PA measured as steps per day with Fitbit at the 12-week follow-up.

Conclusions

The acceptability and feasibility of using tailored mobile applications in natural settings to increase PA among adults with ID are promising. This study aligns with previous studies in showing the challenges to increasing PA, which requires the inclusion of family members, staff, and stakeholders. The intervention requires modifications before a randomized controlled trial can be conducted.

Mobile health support to stimulate physical activity in individuals with intellectual disability: Protocol for mixed methods pilot study (Preprint)

Background

Several studies have shown that individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDs) have low levels of physical activity (PA), and intervention studies on PA suggest inconsistent evidence. The use of technology as a means of motivation for PA has yet to be extensively explored and needs to be further investigated.

Objective

We aim to assess the feasibility and acceptability of procedures for an intervention arm in a future trial on mobile health (mHealth) to support PA for individuals with IDs. In addition, we aim to examine how the use of technology can influence motivation for PA among participants, their caregivers, and staff members.

Methods

A mixed methods pilot study of an intervention arm will be carried out in a planned randomized controlled trial (RCT). Ten participants with ID and their caregivers or a staff member will be included. Information will always be provided by a caregiver or a staff member, or participants with ID if possible. Assessments will be carried out at baseline, follow-up after 4 weeks, and 12 weeks, and include questionnaires on PA, social support, self-efficacy, and challenging behavior. PA will be measured with 2 different activity trackers (Fitbit and Axivity) for 1 week at all assessments. Feasibility will be assessed as recruitment and adherence rate, missing data, usability of the motivational mHealth tool, and estimates of effectiveness. Acceptability of study procedures, activity measures, and motivation for participation in PA will be additionally assessed with qualitative methods at the end of the intervention.

Results

Enrollment commenced in May 2021. Data collection was completed in March 2022.

Conclusions

This pilot study will evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of study procedures of the intervention arm of a planned RCT to address feasibility issues, improve study procedures, and estimate effectiveness of the study measures. How the use of technology can influence motivation for PA will also be examined, which can help guide and improve future PA interventions involving the use of technology.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04929106; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04929106

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/37849