“We Can Talk While We’re Walking”: Seeking the Views of Adults With Intellectual Disability to Inform a Walking and Social-Support Program

Abstract

To better understand how physical activity programs may contribute to improved health and social-support outcomes for people with intellectual disability, the authors conducted semistructured interviews with 11 people with intellectual disability and community-based volunteers in Brisbane, Australia. Three broad themes emerged: individual factors that generally facilitated activity, external factors that posed barriers to participation, and broader normative factors that directed participation. A key reflection arising out of the thematic analysis was that participants with intellectual disability and volunteers highlighted subtle but pervasive differences in barriers and facilitators to being active. Recommendations are provided for interventions aiming to improve physical activity and social support among those with intellectual disability. The authors' research process demonstrates the utility of seeking the views of potential participants before program rollout to inform implementation and demonstrates the usefulness of a qualitative, actively inclusive approach to health interventions.

An exploration and proposed taxonomy of leisure–befriending for adults with learning disabilities

“…Practically, building befriending relationships around shared activities and interests is one potential method for developing leisure–befriending relationships to provide a more novel experience (Anderson & Kress, ; Brooker et al, ; Snow, ; Wilson et al, ); specific roles are more clearly defined, and adults with learning disabilities would be actively engaged in generating a social identity as part of a particular group or social activity alongside volunteers and fellow participants (Heslop, ). How “friendly” befriending relationships are is largely a matter of how equitably power is shared between participants.…”

Understanding low levels of physical activity in people with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review to identify barriers and facilitators

“…Full facilitators were social interaction and being rewarded for participation in physical activities. Twelve studies noted that social engagement with peers, friends, or a team encouraged physical activity in people with ID (Barr & Shields, 2011;Brooker et al, 2015;Dixon-Ibarra, Driver, Vanderbom, & Humphries, 2016;Downs et al, 2014;Downs, Boddy, Knowles, Fairclough, & Stratton, 2013;Frey, Buchanan, & Rosser Sandt, 2005;Mahy, Shields, Taylor, & Dodd, 2010;Menear, 2007;Temple & Stanish, 2011;Temple & Walkley, 2007;Tsai & Fung, 2009;van Schijndel-Speet, Evenhuis, van Wijck, van Empelen, & Echteld, 2014). In six studies (25%), being praised or rewarded was described as having a facilitating effect (Barr & Shields, 2011;Dixon-Ibarra et al, 2016;Frey et al, 2005;Mahy et al, 2010;Temple & Walkley, 2007;van Schijndel-Speet et al, 2014).…”

An investigation of the role of social support on physical activity participation among adults with intellectual disability

“…This experience is consistent with the self-esteem mechanism described in Chapter 2 where an individual's beliefs about their competence and abilities influences their health (Thoits, 2011). In contrast, people with intellectual disability report enjoying the connections and interactions they have with others while engaging in some physical activities (belonging and companionship mechanism) (Brooker, Mutch, et al, 2015;Dixon-Ibarra et al, 2016;Temple & Walkley, 2007).…”

“…Temple and Walkley (2007), in their focus groups with people with intellectual disability and their supports, found individuals enjoyed the social opportunities being active provided. Brooker, Mutch, et al (2015) and Dixon-Ibarra et al (2016) reported people with intellectual disability found the opportunity to interact and make connections with others through physical activity was a facilitator to being active. In addition to the enabling effect social support can have on physical activity, lack of social support can act as a barrier to being active.…”

“…Frey et al (2005) and Taliaferro and Hammond (2016) found that the influence of protective support people and medical professionals inadvertently reinforced sedentary behaviours as they cautioned individuals not to overexert themselves and stressed personal safety. Overprotectiveness, paternalistic attitudes of key support people and risk averse organisations also have the potential to reduce opportunities for individuals to engage in physical activity (Alesi & Pepi, 2017;Bodde & Seo, 2009;Brooker, Mutch, et al, 2015;Farrell, Crocker, McDonough, & Sedgwick, 2004;Hawkins & Look, 2006).…”