A remotely-delivered pilot and feasibility program to promote physical and food literacy in adolescents with intellectual disabilities

Authors

C Curtin, E.K. Shriver Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
L G. Bandini, E.K. Shriver Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
M Forquer, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
P Cullen, E.K. Shriver Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
K M. Rancaño, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
A Must, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
K Schreck, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
A B. Bowling, Merrimack College, North Andover, Massachusetts, USA.
N Askenazy, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
X Wei, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
C Irish, Brighton, Massachusetts, USA.
H I. Stanish, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

5-1-2024

Journal

Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARID

Volume

37

Issue

3

DOI

10.1111/jar.13228

Keywords

adolescents; food literacy; intellectual disabilities; physical literacy

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Youth with intellectual disabilities experience disparities in physical activity and diet quality. Physical and food literacy are hypothesised to support adoption of healthy lifestyles; however, few such interventions have been developed for this population. METHOD: Participants with intellectual disabilities ages 12-16 years were recruited for a 12-week online sports skills and nutrition education intervention. Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy were assessed by attendance, satisfaction, and pre-post measures of motor skills, perceived competence and motivation for physical activity, classifying foods, making healthy choices, and food consumption. RESULTS: Six teens participated in the program and attended 87.5% of the sessions. Satisfaction data suggested that the program was well-received by both teens and parents. Trends toward improvements on physical activity and nutrition outcome measures were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary data from this pilot study suggest that physical and food literacy in youth with intellectual disabilities can be improved, which in turn may contribute to the adoption of healthy lifestyles.

APA Citation

Curtin, C; Bandini, L G.; Forquer, M; Cullen, P; Rancaño, K M.; Must, A; Schreck, K; Bowling, A B.; Askenazy, N; Wei, X; Irish, C; and Stanish, H I., "A remotely-delivered pilot and feasibility program to promote physical and food literacy in adolescents with intellectual disabilities" (2024). GW Authored Works. Paper 5014.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/5014

Department

Exercise and Nutrition Sciences