POWERS _forID: Personalized Online Weight and Exercise Response System for Individuals with Intellectual Disability:...

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Obesity Research
• Intellectual Disability Studies

Background:

• Adults with intellectual disability (ID) face higher obesity rates and poorer health.
• Barriers in healthcare access and lifestyle contribute to health disparities in this population.
• A tailored online platform, POWERS_forID, was developed to address weight management needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the usability and feasibility of the POWERS_forID platform.
• To determine if POWERS_forID can promote weight loss in obese adults with ID.
• To evaluate the platform's impact on health indicators and psychosocial wellbeing.

Main Methods:

• A 24-week randomized controlled trial involving 70 obese adults with mild-to-moderate ID.
• Intervention group received access to POWERS_forID and health coaching; control group received standard care.
• Measurements included weight, waist circumference, body fat, physical activity, eating habits, and psychosocial factors.

Main Results:

• The study assessed changes in weight, body composition, and health-related behaviors.
• Qualitative analysis explored implementation barriers and facilitators.
• Data on blood lipids and psychosocial wellbeing were collected at baseline and follow-up points.

Conclusions:

• POWERS_forID is an innovative ICT platform designed for the health needs of adults with ID.
• The study describes the development and components of this novel intervention.
• Findings will inform the potential of digital health solutions for managing obesity in adults with ID.