Move IT

Move IT

MOVE-IT – Development of a training program for improving physical exercise of people with intellectual disabilities through exergames and technology

People with intellectual disabilities tend to have more sedentary lifestyles than the general population. Regular physical activity is of medical and social importance, helping to reduce risks of cardiovascular diseases and improving functioning in everyday life. Exergames have in general been envisioned for promoting physical activity, but for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) most of them are not user-friendly and the persons assisting them (staff and relatives) frequently do not have the required knowledge and skills to promote its use.

MOVE-IT will respond to this challenge by creating, developing, and validating a new learning program tailored to the needs of professional staff and relatives to promote the use of exergaming through new information and communication technologies (ICT) in people with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities.

The training program will be composed of two main parts. The first part will introduce the learners on the importance of performing and maintaining an active lifestyle through the implementation of physical exercise routines, including practical examples and programs to perform physical activity tailored to individuals with IDs. The second part of the training program will introduce learners on the application of technologies in the form of exergames, with practical examples and links to available solutions to implement physical activity routines supported by ICTs.

The project will involve more than 100 end-users (individuals with ID, professionals and relatives) in many stages of the project to co-create, develop and validate an innovative training framework for promoting their skills and competences to implement and sustain physical activity programs. The project will be focused on the use of ICT Tools (Apps and assistive technologies), developing adapted learning materials and activities to promote several exercising programs. All the produced materials will be available through an electronic platform in English and the languages of the participant countries (Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Norwegian).

Results expected

Short-term impacts of the project will be to improve the physical activity habits of the persons with ID by providing a specific training on the importance of keeping active, types of exercises and exercising programs based on ICT Tools. Besides, the involved staff and relatives will develop competences on the implementation of physical activity programs and how to use ICTs to motivate and engage persons with IDs to maintain these habits. Executing the physical activity and gaining the habits is as important as the movement execution quality, for example to avoid incorrect postures and possible injuries), so it is important to focus on the education of the movement and reinforce it with the ITC based exergames. In the long term we envision to deliver a flexible methodology, program and resources that improve the quality of life of persons with ID in the dimensions of social inclusion and well-being.

Information about the project

The project will be developed during 24 months between 1/11/2021 and 01/11/2023.

Partners:

• ITACA – SABIEN, Universitat Politècnica de València (Coordinator)
• Institut Valencià d´Atenció Social – Sanitària
• Cercioeiras CRL
• Ospedale Riabilitativo di Alta Specializzazione
• Universitete i Tromsoe

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