Development and process evaluation of a motor activity program for people with profound intellectual and multiple...

Area of Science:

• Disability Studies
• Rehabilitation Science
• Special Education

Background:

• Motor activity is often overlooked in supporting individuals with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD).
• Lack of evidence-based, tailored motor activity programs can negatively impact quality of life for PIMD.
• This study aimed to develop and evaluate an implementation process for such a program.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an evidence-based motor activity program for individuals with PIMD.
• To evaluate the implementation process of this tailored motor activity program.
• To identify factors influencing successful program implementation.

Main Methods:

• A four-step program was designed, integrating motor activities into daily living and goal-oriented exercises.
• Program delivery involved manuals, team training, and coaching for nine participants.
• Process evaluation assessed fidelity, dose, reach, adaptations, mechanisms of impact, and contextual factors using logs and reports.

Main Results:

• Intended fidelity, dose, and reach were not achieved for most participants.
• Implementation was successful in only one participant, with delays in others.
• Key implementation elements were compromised due to issues with staff motivation, continuity, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Conclusions:

• Improving implementation requires greater attention to organizational conditions and program structure.
• Findings necessitated significant adjustments to the implementation strategy.
• Process evaluation is vital before assessing program effectiveness.