205435 Development and analysis of a physical activity education intervention for adults with intellectual disabilities

Monday, November 9, 2009

Amy E. Bodde, MPH, PhD(c) , Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Henan Li , Kinesiology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Rotem Magnagi , Kinesiology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Georgia C. Frey, PhD , Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Very few health education and health promotion interventions have been designed for adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) compared to the general population. Even fewer have focused on the important preventive health behaviors of physical activity (PA) and exercise. Adults with ID have a disparate rate of physical inactivity and related chronic diseases. Therefore, there is a pressing need for theory-driven health education programs for this population so that they may be equipped with the knowledge necessary to make informed choices about their health. An 8-session health education curriculum was developed using elements of the Theory of Planned Behavior. The process of the curriculum development, the rationale behind the selection of the theory and the rationale for the selection of each lesson's content will be described. Content was chosen based on previous PA and ID literature and emphasizes activities which avoid documented barriers to PA faced by this population while maximizing autonomy and volitional control over PA. The curriculum uses multimedia educational methods and focuses on PA concepts, PA recommendations, using a pedometer, benefits of PA, ways to increase PA participation and PA safety. Each lesson integrates comprehension activities which serve as process measures for the intervention. Development of the curriculum involves the inclusion of two focus groups to review clarity and comprehension of the materials; (1) a group of adults with ID and (2) a panel of experts from disability, health and special education.

Learning Objectives:
Describe the rationale behind the theory selection for the intervention Discuss the unique content suited for adults with intellectual disabilities

Keywords: Physical Activity, Disability

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have developed this work for my dissertation with the assistance of my co-authors.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Research in Exercise and Physical Activity
See more of: Public Health Education and Health Promotion