Promoting physical activity through exergaming in young adults with intellectual disabilities: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Exercise Science
• Disability Studies
• Psychology

Background:

• Physical inactivity is linked to numerous health issues in individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID).
• Understanding physiological and psychological responses to novel exercise interventions is crucial for promoting physical activity in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the physiological (heart rate, perceived exertion) and psychological (enjoyment) responses to exergaming in young adults with mild to moderate ID.
• To compare responses after a single-session versus a multiple-session exergaming intervention.

Main Methods:

• Seven young adults with mild to moderate ID participated in control and exergaming sessions.
• Measurements included heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES).
• Data were collected after both single-session and multiple-session conditions.

Main Results:

• Exergaming significantly increased HR in both single and multiple sessions, indicating increased physical activity and energy expenditure.
• Significant increases in RPE and PACES were observed after the single-session condition.
• While external motivators like music may mitigate fatigue perception, positive affectivity towards exercise was not sustained when integrated into daily routines.

Conclusions:

• Exergaming can elicit positive physiological and psychological responses in young adults with ID.
• Sustaining engagement with exercise as a routine may be challenging, potentially contributing to the high prevalence of physical inactivity in this population.
• Further research is needed to optimize exergaming interventions for long-term adherence in individuals with ID.