Implementing a Virtual Exercise Program for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Carpenter, Sarah
Citations
Abstract
Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have poor health outcomes in comparison with the general population, which may be related to decreased exercise habits. Virtual exercise programs (VEP) may have the potential to increase exercise participation for this population. A previously developed VEP was administered biweekly for eight weeks to five participants and was assessed using a pretest-posttest format using the WHODAS 2.0, a functional outcome measure, and a qualitative satisfaction survey. Nonsignificant results were found on the WHODAS, however participant satisfaction with the program was high. Although results were not found to be significant, high participant satisfaction indicates feasibility of a VEP for those with IDD and its ability to increase participation in meaningful occupation. It also indicates possibility of a program with longer duration and greater sample size to further determine functional outcomes. Plain Language Summary: Adults with IDD exercise less than the general population which may lead to worse health. VEP may be able to increase exercise for this population. A VEP was carried out with five adults with IDD twice a week for 8 weeks. The WHODAS 2.0, a test that measures how health affects your daily life, was given to participants before and after the program and a survey was given to participants after the program to see their satisfaction with the program. No meaningful changes were found on the WHODAS, but participants were highly satisfied with the program. This shows that VEP can help increase participation in enjoyable daily activities and that VEP could be administered for more people and for longer periods of time.
