Promoting physical activity in everyday life of people with intellectual disabilities: An intervention overview

The Effect of Nordic Walking Intervention (NORDIN-JOY) on Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Their Families: A Multicenter Randomized Crossover Study

BACKGROUND

We aim to evaluate the effect of the Nordic Walking program on the quality of life and functionality of individuals with intellectual disabilities; Methods: The NORDIN-JOY study is designed as a multicenter, randomized crossover trial. Participants in the experimental group will engage in a Nordic Walking intervention, while those in the control group will participate in a Fit 5-Fitness Cards intervention. Both physical training programs will consist of two 60 min sessions per week over a three-month period. The study will assess measures of quality of life and physical fitness. Additionally, the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of both programs, as well as the average weekly physical activity levels during the six months following the intervention, will be evaluated; Results: The results of this study are anticipated to provide valuable insights into the effects of structured exercise interventions on individuals with intellectual disabilities. These findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and academic conferences; Conclusions: This protocol seeks to establish evidence on the impact of exercise programs in individuals with intellectual disabilities. The findings have the potential to inform specific recommendations for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and policymakers, promoting physical activity as a cost-effective strategy for improving care and quality of life in this population.

COVID-19 pandemic among adults with intellectual disabilities: Implementing a social model of disability in crisis and trauma situations

A growing body of evidence has attested to the higher impact of COVID-19 on individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDs) than on members of the general population during the pandemic, mainly showing their higher vulnerability. However, we believe it is important to better understand how their situation interacts with the specific circumstances of the pandemic. In this article we discuss recent findings regarding individuals with IDs through the lens of two theories - the social disability model and the ecological model of trauma and recovery - and propose an integration, namely a social model of disability in crisis and trauma situations. Such a model allows for a wider perspective on understanding the way people living with disabilities (PLWDs) cope in these situations, integrating the individual aspects of coping with the social and environmental ones.

Developing "Adulting for Health": Investigating the Health Needs of Neurodivergent Emerging Adults

INTRODUCTION

Neurodivergent emerging adults - defined as individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (e.g., attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, seizures, developmental delays, with or without intellectual impairment) and physical and/or sensory disabilities (e.g., blindness or hearing impairment) - experience poor mental and physical health outcomes. Existing interventions are insufficient because they are not based on the self-reported and developmental needs of this population.

METHODS

The current study is an exploratory pilot study that features a multidimensional health-based needs assessment of self-identified neurodivergent emerging adults with ADHD, learning disabilities, autism, and other conditions, mean (M) age = 22.8; standard deviation (SD) = 3.4; n = 26). This research used validated measures. The assessment - administered via Qualtrics to the participants in two sites - included the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form, Kessler-6 Psychological Distress Scale, Project EAT (Eating and Activity over Time)-IV (with the intuitive eating, weight-related control, emotional eating, and physical activity subscales), and an original health-focused needs assessment developed by interdisciplinary healthcare professionals and neurodivergent individuals.

RESULTS

The sample reported low positive mental health, with only 3% reportedly "flourishing." The sample also reported high psychological distress according to clinical and psychometric cut-off scores; varied intuitive eating and weight-control behaviors and attitudes; and distinct needs related to integrating the principles of health promotion into daily life, navigating the healthcare system, and learning from healthcare professionals. Based on these findings, we present an initial conceptualization of "Adulting for Health," a potential virtual education program to promote health-related knowledge and capacities for this population.

CONCLUSIONS

The results from this exploratory pilot study can be incorporated into existing programs and spur efforts to develop and test new interventions that can ameliorate health disparities for neurodivergent emerging adults.

Recognising Basic Health Literacy Capabilities: An Explorative Study on the Relevance of Health-Related Information in the Support of People with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities

Background: People with profound intellectual disabilities represent a vulnerable and heterogeneous population whose health-related needs and questions often remain unheard. One reason for this is that they are usually unable to participate in verbal communication. However, there is also a lack of suitable approaches to communicate health-related information to them according to their capabilities. The research presented in this paper addresses this gap. Methods: Following grounded theory methodology, we used a multimethod approach. Based on a theoretical analysis, a Delphi study (n = 14) was conducted as a starting point to map the research field. In a second step, these findings were incorporated into an online survey targeting disability care professionals (n = 111). Three field studies supplemented the data, encompassing a variety of ethnographic methods. Results: People with PIMD have basic health-related capabilities that can improve their health literacy. Nevertheless, their support environments have to take over many health literacy-related requirements by proxy or substitution. One of the most important tasks is to engage health information in an individualised way. Conclusions: The findings underline the importance of focusing on more basic capabilities and intersubjective approaches in health literacy research and practice, especially regarding new perspectives on the inclusion of previously marginalised populations (such as people with PIMD).

Engaging and sustaining people with intellectual disabilities in physical activity: a narrative review of existing evidence

Background: People with intellectual disabilities (ID) experience many health and social inequalities. Increasing physical activity is a proven intervention to address such inequalities, yet the physical activity rates of this population are substantially lower than the general population. Aim: Research has been growing to understand why this is and how to intervene to increase the physical activity levels of people with ID. Method: Using a behavioural epidemiological framework, the research in this area from barriers and facilitators of physical activity to translational research testing interventions within natural settings is reviewed. Findings from a total of 14 reviews and eight empirical studies and protocols were included. Results: Whilst there are multiple investigations into what promotes or enhances physical activity for people with ID, findings from intervention studies show few successful outcomes. Gaps within the existing research are identified and recommendations about how intervention efficacy might be improved are provided to inform future research and practice. Conclusion: Findings from previous research on barriers and facilitators can be further capitalised on and intervention studies should be underpinned by better links to theory and more systemic approaches.

"With Enthusiasm and Energy throughout the Day": Promoting a Physically Active Lifestyle in People with Intellectual Disability by Using a Participatory Approach

People with intellectual disabilities have a comparatively low level of physical activity and are affected by associated numerous impairments and diseases. However, target group specific interventions and concepts aiming at sustainable physical activity-related behavior change in everyday life are rare and the needs and perspectives of the target group have hardly been considered so far. Therefore, a target-group oriented intervention was developed. The research and developmental process was characterized by a participatory approach, involving people with intellectual disabilities throughout the whole process. For example, the interview guideline, design of the interview situation and ways of communicating were developed in a participatory manner. Twenty-four qualitative interviews with people with intellectual disabilities were conducted to explore individual physical activity-related experiences and strategies. Individual and contextual influences on physical activity were identified. Interview results were used to conceptualize an intervention that aims at promoting physical activity in the everyday life of people with intellectual disabilities by strengthening their self-management strategies. The intervention was tested in practice and modified based on communicative validation methods. Good acceptance in the long term is also expected, as the intervention takes place in people’s living environment, is socially embedded and builds upon the needs of the target group.