Effects of a school-based physical activity intervention for fatness and health-related physical fitness in adolescents with intellectual disability: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Childhood obesity accompanied with lower levels of health-related physical fitness (HRPF) is a major threat to public health both internationally and locally. Children with intellectual disability (ID), especially adolescents, have a higher risk of being overweight/obese and having poor HRPF levels. More interventions, therefore, are needed to help this population attain their optimal health levels. However, there has been limited research on this population compared with studies designed for their typically developing (TD) peers. OBJECTIVE The proposed study aims to fill this knowledge gap by developing and examining the success of a physical activity (PA) intervention for the target population. METHODS The proposed study will be a school-based randomised controlled trial lasting for 12 weeks. The participants (N=48) will be recruited from special schools for students with mild ID and then randomly allocated to either the intervention group (IG) or the waiting-list control group (CG). During the intervention period, the participants in the IG will receive a fun, game-based moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) training programme (twice/week, 60-min/session, a total of 24 sessions). The intensity of the activities will increase in a progressive manner. Those in the CG will receive no intervention. To observe and evaluate the sustaining effects of the intervention, follow-up testing will be scheduled for the participants 12 weeks after the intervention concludes. The study outcomes will include primary outcomes (fatness-related outcomes and fitness-related outcomes) and secondary outcomes (blood pressure). All of the measurements will be taken three times. After the follow-up tests, the same PA training programme will be provided to the participants in the CG. RESULTS This study is ongoing. The participants were recruited from October 2020 to November 2020. Total duration of the study is 13 months. Study results are expected at the end of 2021. CONCLUSIONS The proposed study is expected to reduce fatness and improve HRPF levels in children with ID. If proven effective, the intervention will be made accessible to more special schools and mainstream schools with students with ID. Furthermore, the study can serve as an example for international researchers, policymakers and the public who are seeking to tackle the problem of obesity and poor HRPF among children with ID. CLINICALTRIAL This trial is prospectively registered at the ClinicalTrials.gov PRS (Trial ID: NCT04554355; Date of First Posted: September 17, 2020).

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Effects of a School-Based Physical Activity Intervention for Obesity and Health-Related Physical Fitness in Adolescents With Intellectual Disability: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

JMIR Research Protocols ◽

10.2196/25838 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. e25838

Author(s):

Aiwei Wang ◽

Yang Gao ◽

Jingjing Wang ◽

Tomas K Tong ◽

Yan Sun ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Intellectual Disability ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Special Schools ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

School Based ◽

Health Related ◽

Children With Intellectual Disability

Background Childhood obesity accompanied by lower levels of health-related physical fitness (HRPF) is a major threat to public health both internationally and locally. Children with intellectual disability, especially adolescents, have a higher risk of being overweight/obese and having poor HRPF levels. Therefore, more interventions are needed to help this population attain their optimal health levels. However, there has been relatively limited research on this population compared with on their typically developing peers. Objective The proposed study aims to fill this knowledge gap by developing and examining the success of a physical activity (PA) intervention for the target population. Methods The proposed study will be a 12-week, school-based randomized controlled trial. The participants (N=48) will be recruited from special schools for students with mild intellectual disability and then randomly allocated to either the intervention group (IG) or the wait-list control group (CG). During the intervention period, the participants in the IG will receive a fun game–based moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) training program (2 sessions/week, 60 minutes/session, for a total of 24 sessions). The intensity of the activities will increase in a progressive manner. Participants in the CG will receive no program during the study period, but the same PA program will be provided to them after the completion of the study. To observe and evaluate the sustaining effects of the intervention, follow-up testing will be scheduled for the participants 12 weeks after the intervention concludes. The study outcomes will include primary outcomes (obesity- and fitness-related outcomes) and a secondary outcome (blood pressure). All of the measurements will be taken at 3 time points. After the follow-up tests, the same PA training program will be provided to the participants in the CG. Results This study is ongoing. The participants were recruited from October 2020 to November 2020. The total duration of the study is 13 months. Study results are expected at the end of 2021. Conclusions The proposed study is expected to reduce obesity and improve HRPF levels in children with intellectual disability. If proven effective, the intervention will be made accessible to more special schools and mainstream schools with students with intellectual disability. Furthermore, the study can serve as an example for international researchers, policy makers, and members of the public who are seeking to tackle the problem of obesity and poor HRPF among children with intellectual disability. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04554355; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04554355 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/25838

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Effects of 12-week combined exercise program on self-efficacy, physical activity level, and health related physical fitness of adults with intellectual disability

Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation ◽

10.12965/jer.1835194.597 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 175-182 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Garam Jo ◽

Brenda Rossow-Kimball ◽

Yongho Lee

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Intellectual Disability ◽

Physical Fitness ◽

Physical Activity Level ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Activity Level ◽

Combined Exercise ◽

Health Related

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Preschoolers’ health-related quality of life following the implementation of a childcare physical activity intervention

Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1139/apnm-2017-0396 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 43 (5) ◽

pp. 453-459 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Stephanie Truelove ◽

Andrew M. Johnson ◽

Leigh M. Vanderloo ◽

Molly Driediger ◽

Shauna M. Burke ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Health Related Quality ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related ◽

The Impact

Being active offers many physical and emotional benefits contributing to a higher health-related quality of life (HRQoL); however, this relationship remains unexplored among preschoolers (aged 2.5–5 years). This study examined the impact of the Supporting Physical Activity in the Childcare Environment (SPACE), which was an intervention implemented using a cluster randomized controlled trial on preschoolers’ HRQoL. Childcare centres were randomly allocated to the experimental (n = 11) or control (n = 11) conditions, and preschoolers’ HRQoL was measured using the parent-report Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (3 subscales: physical, psychosocial, and total HRQoL) at baseline, post-intervention (i.e., week 8), and 6- and 12-month follow-up. A linear mixed-effects model was used to determine if preschoolers in the experimental condition displayed an increased HRQoL post-intervention and at follow-up compared with preschoolers in the control condition. Preschoolers (n = 234) with HRQoL data at baseline and one additional time-point were retained for analyses. Body mass index was not found to impact significantly on the intervention, and no statistically significant interaction effects were found for any of the 3 HRQoL variables. In conclusion, the SPACE intervention had no impact on preschoolers’ HRQoL. Given the scarcity of research in this population, additional exploration is necessary to better understand the potential impact of physical activity participation on preschoolers’ HRQoL.

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Environmental perceptions and its associations with physical fitness and body composition in adolescents: longitudinal results from the LabMed Physical Activity Study

International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health ◽

10.1515/ijamh-2017-0205 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

André Oliveira ◽

Luis Lopes ◽

Sandra Abreu ◽

Carla Moreira ◽

Pedro Silva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Composition ◽

Physical Fitness ◽

Environmental Perceptions ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Anthropometric Measures ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Environmental Correlates ◽

Health Related

Abstract Background The environmental correlates have been extensively studied in the last years, but most associations with physical fitness (PF) and body composition have been cross-sectional in nature. Objective This study aimed to determine if adolescents’ environmental perceptions associated with PF and body composition in a 2-year follow-up. Subjects Participants were 583 adolescents aged 12–18 years (299 girls) from the LabMed Physical Activity Study. Methods PF and body composition were assessed with the protocols of the ALPHA health-related fitness battery and environmental perceptions with the ALPHA environmental questionnaire. Linear regression models were used to determine the associations between environmental perceptions at baseline and PF and anthropometric measures at follow-up. Results Results showed that perceptions of distant facilities at baseline were associated with lower fitness at follow-up in boys. Also, boys’ lower study environment perceptions at baseline were associated with higher body composition at follow-up. Positive perceptions of a pleasant environment at baseline were associated with better fitness at follow-up in boys. Additionally, girls’ positive bike lanes availability and esthetics perceptions at baseline were associated with better body composition at follow-up. Conclusion Positive environmental perceptions at baseline are associated with better PF and body composition at follow-up.

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Effects of Individualized Aerobic Exercise Training on Physical Activity and Health-Related Physical Fitness among Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Multimorbidity: A Randomized Controlled Trial

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18010101 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. 101

Author(s):

Yi-Pang Lo ◽

Shang-Lin Chiang ◽

Chia-Huei Lin ◽

Hung-Chang Liu ◽

Li-Chi Chiang

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Exercise Training ◽

Physical Fitness ◽

Motivational Interviewing ◽

Aerobic Exercise ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Aerobic Exercise Training ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Health Related

The presence of multimorbidity in middle-aged and older adults, which reduces their physical activity and quality of life, is a global health challenge. Exercise is one of the most important health behaviors that individuals can engage in. Previous studies have revealed that aerobic exercise training is beneficial for healthy middle-aged and older adults and those with various chronic diseases, but few studies have designed individualized aerobic exercise training for individuals with multimorbidity. Although individuals with multimorbidity are considerably less adherent to physical activity interventions, telephone-based motivational interviewing may help in strengthening motivation and promoting behavioral change for increasing physical activity and health-related physical fitness. This study aimed to examine whether a 12-week individualized aerobic exercise training in a rehabilitation center combined with telephone-based motivational interviewing is effective in promoting physical activity and health-related physical fitness among middle-aged and older adults with multimorbidity. A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Forty-three participants (aged > 40) were recruited and randomly assigned to the intervention group, comparison group, or control group. The participants’ physical activity and health-related physical fitness were assessed at baseline and at 12 weeks. The results indicated that after individualized aerobic exercise training combined with telephone-based motivational interviewing, the participants reported increased total physical activity (Fin = 481.3, p = 0.011), vigorous-intensity physical activity (Fin= 298.9, p = 0.007), dominant and nondominant hand grip (kg) (Fin = 1.96, p = 0.019; Fin = 2.19, p = 0.027, respectively), FEV1/FVC (Fin = 0.045, p = 0.043), VO2 max (ml/kg/min) (Fin = 5.30, p = 0.001), VO2 max predicted (%) (Fin = 21.6, p = 0.001), work (watts) (Fin = 22.5, p = 0.001), and anaerobic threshold (L/min) (Fin = 0.165, p = 0.011). Twelve weeks of individualized aerobic exercise training in the rehabilitation center combined with telephone-based motivational interviewing can increase the total physical activity, vigorous physical activity, and cardiorespiratory fitness of middle-aged and older adults with multimorbidity.

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Exercise at an onsite facility with or without direct exercise supervision improves health‐related physical fitness and exercise participation: An 8‐week randomised controlled trial with 15‐month follow‐up

Health Promotion Journal of Australia ◽

10.1002/hpja.2 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 29 (1) ◽

pp. 84-92 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jayden R. Hunter ◽

Brett A. Gordon ◽

Noel Lythgo ◽

Stephen R. Bird ◽

Amanda C. Benson

Keyword(s):

Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Physical Fitness ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Exercise Participation ◽

Health Related ◽

Randomised Controlled

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Long-term Effects of 4-year Longitudinal School-based Physical Activity Intervention on the Physical Fitness of Children and Youth during 7-year Follow-up Assessment

Central European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.21101/cejph.a3823 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 21 (4) ◽

pp. 190-195 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Gregor Jurak ◽

Ashley Cooper ◽

Bojan Leskošek ◽

Marjeta Kovač

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Fitness ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Children And Youth ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

School Based

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Effects of School-Based Physical Activity Programs on Health-Related Physical Fitness of Korean Adolescents: A Preliminary Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18062976 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (6) ◽

pp. 2976

Author(s):

Eui-Jae Lee ◽

Wi-Young So ◽

Hyun-Su Youn ◽

Jooyoung Kim

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

High School Students ◽

Muscle Strength ◽

Physical Fitness ◽

Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽

Health Concern ◽

School Based ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Health Related ◽

Physical Activity Programs

As adolescents spend the majority of their time focused on exams and assignments, they do not have sufficient time to engage in physical activity; this lack of physical activity is an important public health concern. This study aimed to investigate how school-based physical activity programs affect the health-related physical fitness of adolescents in the Republic of Korea. For this study, a total of 120 high school students participated in a school-based physical activity program that included badminton and table tennis for 15 weeks each (35 min/day, three times a week), with a total of 30 weeks for one academic year. The parameters for health-related physical fitness measured muscle strength (handgrip strength), power (standing long jump), cardiorespiratory fitness (shuttle run test), flexibility (sit and reach), body mass index (BMI), and the total score. The results revealed a statistically significant improvement in muscle strength (p < 0.001), power (p < 0.001), cardiorespiratory fitness (p < 0.001), flexibility (p = 0.005), and the overall health-related physical fitness score (p = 0.001). However, students’ BMI showed no significant difference before and after participation (p = 0.825). The results of this study indicated that school-based physical activity programs can have a positive effect on the health-related physical fitness of adolescents.

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Physical Fitness and Health-Related Physical Activity Programs in People With Down Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Journal of Sport Biomechanics ◽

10.32598/biomechanics.5.4.1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 200-215

Author(s):

Saeid Bahiraei ◽

◽

Hassan Daneshmandi ◽

Rahman Amiri ◽

◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Down Syndrome ◽

Intellectual Disability ◽

Physical Fitness ◽

Subcutaneous Fat ◽

Fat Distribution ◽

Physical Activities ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Health Related ◽

Physical Activity Programs

Objective: Down Syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic disease in people with intellectual disability, with a prevalence of 1 in 800-1000 live births. Youth and adolescents with DS are a unique population in terms of health-related physical fitness factors. Methods: In this review study, to investigate the physical fitness factors and physical activity programs for youth and adolescents with DS, a search was conducted in international and national databases such as EBSCO, Medline, PubMed, Elsevier, Google Scholar and SID among studies conducted during 1996-2016 using following keywords in Persian and English: Physical fitness, physical activity, Down syndrome, rehabilitation, intellectual disability, muscular strength, muscular endurance, aerobic fitness, balance, agility and flexibility. Results: Initial search yielded 130 articles. After removing duplicates, 35 were remained for the review. The studies indicated lower cardiorespiratory capacity and physical fitness in people with DS than in their normal peers in strength, endurance, balance and agility as well as increased subcutaneous fat and body fat distribution. Conclusion: Adolescents and youth with DS have low cardiovascular and muscular capacity and physical fitness, overweight/obesity, and reduces health-related physical activities. Future studies should focus on strength testing and training protocols, methods for determining physical activity levels, and practical interventions to increase physical activities in DS patients.

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School-based physical activity intervention in 11-13-year-olds: study protocol for cluster randomized controlled trial

International Journal of Clinical Trials ◽

10.18203/2349-3259.ijct20193216 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 129

Author(s):

Prasangi M. Dabare ◽

Indu Waidyatilaka ◽

Ranil Jayawardena ◽

Rajitha Wickremasinghe ◽

Andrew P. Hills ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Sri Lanka ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Well Being ◽

Sitting Time ◽

School Based ◽

Health Related ◽

Fitness Parameters ◽

Cluster Randomized

Background: Targeted strategies to enhance regular physical activity appear to be promising to promote health and well-being of adolescents. This article reports the design of a cluster randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a school-based physical activity programme on the rate and duration of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, sitting time including screen time, and health-related physical fitness parameters among 11-13 year-old adolescents.Methods: This is a cluster randomized controlled trial conducted in 360 adolescents from government schools in the Colombo Municipal Council area, Sri Lanka. An individual school was considered as a unit of randomization and the 12 selected schools were randomly assigned to one of two groups: control (six schools) and intervention groups (six schools). The intervention group follows a physical activity programme for 30 minutes on three school days per week, for three consecutive months in addition to the standard practice. The primary outcomes are moderate-to-vigorous physical activity rate and duration and sitting time including screen time. Secondary outcomes are the health-related physical fitness parameters: cardiovascular fitness, muscle fitness and flexibility, and body composition. All the outcomes are measured at baseline and three-months following the intervention.Discussion: The outcomes of this study will be an evidence-based intervention programme with the potential to be incorporated into the national education system thus promoting health and well-being of adolescents in Sri Lanka.Trial Registration: Registered at the Sri Lanka Clinical Trials Registry (SLCTR/2018/028).

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