PA-IDe

The main objective of the project “Effects of Physical Activity with e health support in Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities” (PA-ID)  is to enhance physical activity in youths and adults with intellectual disabilities (IDs). Compared with the general population individuals with IDs have worse health, lower levels of activity, and greater barriers to participating in fitness activities and accessing established health care systems. In a recent review, only 9% of individuals with IDs achieved the minimum physical activity guidelines. As low physical activity is a determinant of health, and as increasing activity has positive effects on cardiovascular and psychosocial health, identifying effective interventions for use in everyday settings is exceedingly important. Studies conducted to increase physical activity in people with ID are often non-randomised, in non-natural settings, and not theory-based and often exclude people with more severe ID. Recent well-designed studies in this field have failed to demonstrate improved levels of physical activity in intervention groups. Accordingly, the aims of this project are three-fold: 1) to integrate theory with users´ needs to design a flexible person-centred physical activity programme using motivational e-health support in natural settings; 2) to investigate the effects of this physical activity programme in youth and adults with ID in a randomised controlled trial; and 3) to increase research activity and national and international cooperation in this in Norway low- esearch field. Users and user-organisations are involved in all stages and in study management.