Body Expression-Based Intervention Programs for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review

Promoting Physical Activity and Health in the Workplace: A Qualitative Study among University Workers, Spain

The social changes we have been experiencing in recent years are generating anxiety that, together with sedentary lifestyles and poor health habits, are leading to premature ageing of society, in addition to the high rates of obesity and associated morbidity. In order to improve the lifestyles of the university community, the objective of this research project was the implementation of the UAL Activa programme based on physical activity. The beneficiaries were UAL staff from different sections, a total of 68 participants aged between 28 and 61 years (Mage = 49.36). Additionally, a total of 12 final year students of the degree in physical activity and sport sciences were responsible for designing and developing the exercise tasks. In-depth interviews were held with the participants of this project about the different benefits that their participation had brought them. The results obtained from the analysis with Nvivo v.10. showed five thematic blocks on the perceived improvements in physical fitness, physical condition, mood and emotional state, assessment of the new lifestyle, and social relations. In conclusion, the benefits of physical activity and the need to continue implementing action and intervention plans to encourage and promote its practice in all sectors of the population were highlighted.

Psychometric Properties of a Questionnaire to Assess Perceptions of Corporal Expression in Future Spanish Teachers

Corporal expression is a content that is forgotten by most educators but has been proved to bring numerous benefits to students of all ages. Teacher perceptions and beliefs play a fundamental role in the teaching-learning process, influencing students to a great extent. This study aims to present the factor structure and reliability of a questionnaire for the assessment of teachers’ perceptions about corporal expression. The sample consisted of 212 Spanish prospective teachers who completed the questionnaire to assess their readiness and appreciation about corporal expression. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, as well as reliability testing, were carried out. The results showed a factor structure with 3 dimensions (pleasure, preference, and evaluation of corporal expression) composed of 23 items with good and excellent goodness-of-fit values and high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.71–0.93). Thus, the questionnaire can be considered a quick and easy-to-apply tool to analyze prospective teacher’s perceptions about their preparation to address their students’ corporal expression, allowing stakeholders to take actions to promote it.

The LEDs move pilot study: the Light Curtain and physical activity and well-being among people with visual and intellectual disabilities

BACKGROUND

Moving around and being physically active can often be challenging for people with a visual impairment. The combination of a visual and intellectual disability can make being physically active even more difficult. The aim of the current study was to examine whether a technological device for physical activity promotion would be associated with more movement and whether using it would be experienced as enjoyable for people with visual and intellectual disabilities.

METHODS

A randomised multiple baseline design was used for this study. The participants were nine adults with a visual impairment and an IQ between 20 and 50. As participants interacted with the Light Curtain, movement was measured with triaxial accelerometers embedded in the Empatica E4 wristband. Independent observers scored activity, alertness and well-being from video-recordings using the following observation lists: the Happiness Feature Score (HFS) and the Arousal and Valence Scale (AVS).

RESULTS

Physical activity measured with the accelerometer and positive excitement measured with the AVS significantly increased among participants when they were engaged with the Light Curtain compared with care-as-usual activities. Well-being measured with the HFS did not show a significant difference between the baseline and intervention phases.

CONCLUSIONS

Engagement with the Light Curtain increased physical activity and positive excitement in persons with visual and intellectual disabilities, but more research is necessary to understand how the Light Curtain might affect happiness and well-being.