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Curtin C, Bandini LG, Forquer M, Cullen P, Rancaño KM, Must A, Schreck K, Bowling AB, Askenazy N, Wei X, Irish C, Stanish HI. A remotely-delivered pilot and feasibility program to promote physical and food literacy in adolescents with intellectual disabilities. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2024; 37:e13228. [PMID: 38520166 PMCID: PMC11108704 DOI: 10.1111/jar.13228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
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Tovin MM, Núñez-Gaunaurd A. Implementation of Peer-Assisted Physical Activity Via Telehealth for Adults on the Autism Spectrum: A Mixed Methods Feasibility Study. Phys Ther 2024; 104:pzae005. [PMID: 38236176 DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzae005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Adults on the autism spectrum are at risk for physical inactivity, obesity, and related health conditions. Physical activity provides physical, social, and mental health benefits across the lifespan. Previous research examined feasibility and effectiveness of physical activity intervention in autistic children, but very few studies target autistic adults. This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of Physical Activity Connections via Telehealth, implemented during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown as an alternative to in-person programming for autistic adults aged 18 to 32. METHODS The 10-week intervention utilized telehealth and remote technologies to deliver a theoretically grounded program to improve physical activity. Strategies included peer-guidance, coaching, individualized wellness goals, customized exercise programs, and wearable activity trackers. Feasibility and acceptability were examined using a mixed-methods design including observational and survey data collection, as well as participant interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. RESULTS Findings support feasibility and acceptability of telehealth to promote physical activity among autistic adults who have cognitive capacity and ability to utilize remote technology, with applicability beyond pandemic-imposed challenges. CONCLUSION Telehealth delivery of physical activity interventions is a viable alternative to in-person programs and may enable autistic adults to overcome barriers to physical activity participation and access. IMPACT As the rate of autism continues to rise globally, rehabilitation professionals will play a significant role in promoting health and wellness for autistic individuals across the lifespan. Findings promote informed practice based on the health needs of this growing segment of society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Tovin
- Department of Physical Therapy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
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Breda C, Santero S, Conti MV, Cena H. Programmes to manage food selectivity in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Nutr Res Rev 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38385245 DOI: 10.1017/s0954422424000052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by impaired social communication and restricted interests/repetitive behaviours. In this regard, sensory processing difficulties and delayed oral motor skills often predispose individuals with ASD to food selectivity (FS). It is usually associated with repetitive eating patterns that can lead to multiple malnutrition conditions. The objective of this narrative review is to present an overview about the existing nutritional interventions aiming at promoting a healthy eating pattern and addressing food selectivity among individuals with ASD. Regarding the interventions targeting nutrition education, the majority of the analysed studies failed to demonstrate their effectiveness. On the other hand, many educational interventions involving taste or cooking sessions, as well as behavioural interventions for FS, demonstrated effective results. Moreover, multidisciplinary in tailoring such programmes, including psychology speech therapy and nutritional skills, is acknowledged as a key approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Breda
- Laboratory of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Bassi 21, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sara Santero
- Laboratory of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Bassi 21, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Conti
- Laboratory of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Bassi 21, Pavia, Italy
| | - Hellas Cena
- Laboratory of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Bassi 21, Pavia, Italy
- Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Service, Unit of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, ICS Maugeri IRCCS, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Ketcheson LR, Pitchford EA, Wentz FC, Loetzner F. Trajectories of physical activity among autistic children and their caregivers: Outcomes of a virtual 1-year longitudinal intervention. Disabil Health J 2024; 17:101538. [PMID: 37788962 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2023.101538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Participation in regular physical activity (PA) is a critical component of overall well-being. However, opportunities to engage in health-enhancing PA for families who have an autistic child are relatively obsolete. A virtual PA intervention has the potential to address many participation barriers and represents a timely opportunity to promote positive trajectories of PA among vulnerable populations. OBJECTIVE To examine PA trajectories during a one-year virtual intervention for autistic children and their caregiver and to explore relationships in activity participation within child-caregiver dyads. METHODS Twenty-nine families, including autistic children and their caregiver participated in the full intervention. Caregivers completed questionnaires to measure PA behavior at baseline and four-month intervals throughout the intervention. RESULTS Reported PA significantly increased among autistic children and caregivers during the intervention. No association in PA was observed within dyads at baseline, but moderate relationships were observed during the intervention. CONCLUSION Findings demonstrate the initial effectiveness of a virtual PA intervention for autistic children and their caregiver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah R Ketcheson
- Wayne State University, 5101 John C Lodge Fwy, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA.
| | | | - F Chandler Wentz
- Wayne State University, 5101 John C Lodge Fwy, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA.
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Bodde AE, Helsel BC, Hastert M, Suire KB, Washburn RA, Donnelly JE, Ptomey LT. The prevalence of obesity and lifestyle behaviors of parents of youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Disabil Health J 2023; 16:101430. [PMID: 36604240 PMCID: PMC10264551 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2022.101430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents of youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) may have a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity and poorer weight management behaviors compared to the general population. OBJECTIVE To describe the prevalence of overweight/obesity and related socioeconomic and lifestyle factors including diet quality, physical activity, and reported health habits in parents of youth with IDD. METHODS We assessed: BMI (kg/m2), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), fruit and vegetable intake (FVI), parental diet and physical activity habits, and socioeconomic characteristics. Associations of BMI on MVPA and FVI were assessed with Spearman's correlation; differences in BMI by parental diet and physical activity habits were assessed with Kruskall-Wallis tests; and the relationships of BMI to household income, race, and education were assessed with Kendall Tau-b and Mann Whitney U tests. RESULTS Data was obtained from 110 parents (97.3% female) who were study partners for their adolescents/young adults with IDD participating in a weight loss clinical trial. Approximately 81% of parents were overweight or obese (25.7% overweight, 55.1% obese), with 46.3% and 20% meeting the recommended U.S. guidelines for MVPA and FVI, respectively. Higher FVI and higher income were significantly associated with lower parent BMI. BMI was significantly lower in parents who reported to be physically active and choose healthy food. CONCLUSION We observed a high prevalence of overweight/obesity, low FVI and low levels of MVPA in parents of adolescents with IDD. These observations suggest that interventions designed to address these factors have the potential to improve the health and wellbeing of both parents and adolescents with IDD. CLINICAL TRIALS NUMBER NCT02561754.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Bodde
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
| | - Brian C Helsel
- Department of Neurology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Mary Hastert
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA; Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Kameron B Suire
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Richard A Washburn
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Joseph E Donnelly
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Lauren T Ptomey
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
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Holloway JM, Gray HL, Buro AW, Thomas J, Sauls R, Howard AM. Measurement Tools to Assess Usual Dietary Intake and Physical Activity in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Scoping Review. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-022-00349-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Neale M, Landers E, Sajjadi NB, Mazur-Mosiewicz A, Hartwell M. The impact of COVID-19 on autism research: A cross-sectional analysis of discontinued or suspended clinical trials. Autism Res 2022; 15:1560-1564. [PMID: 35670304 PMCID: PMC9348199 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Due to uncertainties associated with the COVID‐19 public health crisis, several clinical trials had to be withdrawn or postponed. Our investigation aimed to assess the rate of discontinuation of clinical trials focusing on Autism Spectrum Disorder. Of the 197 registered trials included in our systematic review, 15 (7.6%) were discontinued, with nearly half of these explicitly citing COVID‐19 as their reason for discontinuation. Pharmacological trials were six times more likely to be discontinued during the pandemic than non‐pharmacological studies. The difference between the likelihood of discontinuation was statistically significant (OR: 6.13; 95% CI: 1.22–30.71). There was no evidence of association between funding source and reasons for discontinuation. Limitations, along with implications for future trials are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Neale
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City University, Joplin, Missouri, USA
| | - Elizabeth Landers
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Nicholas B Sajjadi
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Anya Mazur-Mosiewicz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Micah Hartwell
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
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