Mobile health support to stimulate physical activity in individuals with intellectual disability: Protocol for mixed methods pilot study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Several studies have shown that individuals with intellectual disabilities have low levels of physical activity (PA), and intervention studies on PA suggest inconsistent evidence. The use of technology as a means of motivation for PA has yet to be extensively explored and needs to be further investigated. OBJECTIVE To assess feasibility of procedures for an intervention arm in a future trial on mobile health (mHealth) to support PA for individuals with intellectual disabilities. In addition, we aim to examine how the use of technology can influence motivation for PA among participants, their caregivers, and staff members. METHODS Design: A mixed-methods pilot study of an intervention arm in a planned randomized controlled trial. Methods: Ten participants with intellectual disability and their caregivers or a staff member will be included. Information will always be provided by a caregiver or a staff member, or participants with ID if possible. Assessments will be at baseline, follow-up after 4 weeks and 12 weeks, and includes questionnaires on PA, social support, self-efficacy, and challenging behavior. PA will be measured with two different activity trackers (Fitbit and Axivity) for one week at all assessments. Feasibility will be assessed as recruitment and adherence rate, missing data, usability of the motivational mHealth tool, and estimates of effectiveness. Acceptability of study procedures, activity measures, and motivation for participation in PA are assessed with qualitative methods at the end of the intervention. RESULTS Enrollment commenced in May 2021 and data collection is ongoing. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study will evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of study procedures of the intervention arm of a planned randomized controlled trial to address feasibility issues, improve study procedures, and estimate effectiveness of the study measures. Motivation for using mHealth for PA will also be examined, which can help guide and improve future PA interventions involving the use of technology. CLINICALTRIAL The trial is registered at Clinicaltrial.gov with identifier NCT04929106.