Perceptual-vision Training and Intellectual Disabilities

Physical activity for healthy ageing is an important feature and the possibility to detect practical solutions to solve the need for feasible health promotion interventions to reduce health disparities and wellbeing in individuals with intellectual disability (ID) is an open question. In this perspective, vision has a remarkable role in spatial cognition and organization, especially in individuals with ID. Therefore, the aim is to investigate the effectiveness of a perceptual-vision training program on cognitive performance (inhibitory control) and physical fitness (balance, agility and muscular strength) in adults with ID throughout 16 weeks. Participants with mild ID will be randomly divided into a perceptual-vision training group, a perceptual-vision training-detraining group and a control group. Cognitive performance and physical fitness will be assessed at baseline, mid and at the end of 16 weeks. In conclusion, a visual training program may present the potentiality to impact various health domains, from cognition to physical performance in individuals with intellectual disabilities, promoting their healthy aging.

Despite the importance of physical activity for healthy ageing and the need for feasible health promotion interventions to reduce health disparities and improve aging wellbeing in individuals with intellectual disability (ID), there is a lack of empirically supported strategies for health promotion and disease prevention in adults with ID. Notably, vision and eye tracking play a key role in spatial cognition and orientation triggering several brain areas and people with ID may present anomalous visual movements, spatial organization or cognitive performance. The aim of the present project is to investigate a potential strategy for promoting healthy ageing targeting both physical and cognitive domains in individuals with ID. Specifically, this project will study the effect of a perceptual-vision training program on cognitive performance (inhibitory control) and physical fitness (balance, agility and muscular strength) in adults with ID. The second aim is to test the association between cognitive and physical performance variables. Participants with mild ID will be randomly allocated to a perceptual-vision training group (n = 28), a perceptual-vision training-detraining group (n = 28) and a control group (n = 28).

During the overall 16 weeks, the perceptual-vision training group will follow an intervention protocol based on vision and oculomotor exercises combined with balance motor actions for the entire period, the perceptual-vision training-detraining group will follow the same oculomotor training program for 8 weeks and a period of detraining for the last consecutive 8 weeks. Lastly, the control group will continue to perform habitual active lifestyle for 16 weeks. Cognitive performance and physical fitness will be assessed at baseline, mid (end of 8 week), and post intervention period (end of 16 week). Overall, a perceptual-vision training program may have the potential to positively impact various aspects of life quality in individuals with ID promoting autonomy, health, social integration, and overall wellbeing. This may be a promising strategy to ameliorate healthy ageing of people with ID across various domains.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* age between 40 and 70 years
* mild ID (Intellectual Quotient = 51-69).

Exclusion Criteria:

* inability to understand basic verbal communication
* strict dependence on personnel or assistive support devices
* presence of concomitant sensorial or physical impairments
* presence of behavioural problems or any other clinical condition that may compromise the regular physical activity practice