"With enthusiasm and energy throughout the day": promoting physical activity in people with intellectual disabilities

Oral Presentation B8.5

Authors

  • Dirk Bruland Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences
  • Mauro Antonia Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences
  • Änne-Dörte Latteck Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.540

Keywords:

People with Intellectual Disability, Physical Activity Promotion, Participatory Research

Abstract

Background: People with intellectual disabilities show significantly lower levels of physical activity compared to the general population. Also, a lack of awareness about unhealthy lifestyles is associated with this group. Concepts addressing the needs of people with intellectual disability and promoting physical activity in their everyday life are rare. An intervention was developed that strengthens physical activity-related health competencies taking into account people's resources, skills, and experiences. Purpose: Presenting results of real-life test (June - October 2020) and communicative validation. Methods: 33 users (five dropouts) with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities and self-selected buddies tested the intervention. After each of the ten sessions a questionnaire with six open questions was filled out together. Answers were analyzed via qualitative content analysis. Results were validated in one group of users and two groups of buddies. Results: Overall, promoting a physically active lifestyle and self-management was achieved well by target-oriented means of an easy-access step-by-step program, addressing users’ knowledge and abilities, applying motivational and volitional strategies, establishing social support systems in the living environment and considering organizational structures. Indications to partially refine the concept were discussed, mainly in order to better address the heterogeneity of users. Based thereon, different language levels were offered and more exercises to experience physical activity were included. Conclusions: So far, the intervention was adopted well. Facilitators were the consideration of the individual’s perceptions, social contexts and living environments. Funding: The project was funded by Stiftung Wohlfahrtspflege NRW.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Bruland, D., Antonia, M., & Latteck, Änne-D. (2021). "With enthusiasm and energy throughout the day": promoting physical activity in people with intellectual disabilities: Oral Presentation B8.5. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.540