Physical Activity, mHealth and Intellectual Disability - a Pilot Study
Condition: Intellectual Disability
MeSH terms: Intellectual Disability
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      The main objective of this pilot study is to assess distant procedures, study experiences and
      feasibility of a planned randomized controlled trial investigating the use of a mHealth
      support tool on physical activity for individuals with intellectual disability.
    

Detailed description: 
      For individuals with intellectual disability (ID) with low physical activity (PA) levels, new
      methods to increase participation in physical activity are needed. Motivation for
      participation in PA should include both individuals with ID, family members and staff, and it
      should work in a supportive way to strengthen mastery experiences. Technology-based
      interventions have not yet been explored extensively.

      The study objective is to assess feasibility of procedures for a distant, COVID-19-secure
      intervention, study pre-treatment expectations and experiences of participants and their
      caregivers. In addition, the study will explore the effectiveness of an individually tailored
      PA program with motivational mobile health support on everyday levels of PA, goal setting and
      self-efficacy in a PA setting for youth and adults with intellectual disabilities.

      The current protocol concerns the conducting of a mixed method pilot study to test
      intervention procedures of a planned complex randomised controlled trial, with steps per day
      as main outcome. Ten participants with intellectual disability are included. Assessment are
      at baseline, follow-up after 4 weeks and 12 weeks. Goal attainment scale will be used
      together with the introduction of an activity planner application named Active Leisure as the
      intervention. Feasibility and acceptance of procedures, activity measures and questionnaires
      are assessed.

      The present trial will investigate how modern technology and e-health can be used in the
      promotion of PA in individuals with IDs. The study has potentially important implications for
      both individuals with IDs and their support networks. If successful, the project will provide
      a simple and accessible solution for promoting PA in individuals with IDs.
    

Intervention name(s): mHealth support tool
Intervention type(s): Device
Intervention description(s): The final app is named Active Leisure and consists of an advanced activity planner based on the platform developed by the ideal company Smart Cognition AS. The app offers different interface options (symbols only, easy to read text, plain text, and read aloud). The activity planner will mostly be used by the individual with IDs and a support person (caregiver or health care provider). After completing an activity, a simple reward is available (e.g., a smiling face or to share a picture with other users of the app). The use of tailored communication through personalization: the use of individuals first name in the activity planner, adaptation: individually chosen activities, adjusted communication (symbols, easy-to-read text or plain text), preparation and planning, and feedback: rewarding and positive feedback (after activities have been performed) is expected to increase motivation, and thereby lead to higher levels of PA.
Intervention model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Supportive Care
Keywords: Intellectual Disability; Physical Activity; Technology; mHealth