Vebjørn Haugland’s research while affiliated with UiT The Arctic University of Norway and other places

Many with intellectual disabilities (ID) have difficulties adhering to current physical activity guidelines. The goal of this study was to develop a mobile app for assisting people with ID to be more physically active. We implemented a solution that combines the digital and real world using augmented reality (AR). Eight people working with people with ID (special education teachers, social workers, psychologists, and researchers) tested the app and completed a usability test. Results indicate that a mobile app focusing on everyday life scenarios can have a potential value for the targeted user group, but AR solutions can be challenging.

Compared with the general population, people with intellectual disabilities have worse health, lower levels of activity, and greater barriers to participating in fitness activities. Regular physical activity has positive effects on cardiovascular and psychosocial health and thus it is important to identify effective interventions for people with intellectual disabilities in everyday settings. In this position paper we present the design and development of prototypes of game-based eHealth solutions for behaviour change and health promotion by influencing physical activity. Participatory design and agile development have been applied in this project to deliver a system based on three solutions to promote, motivate and maintain physical activity in people with intellectual disabilities: Guided in-door bicycle exercise, guided out-door exercise and guided mild workouts. All the solutions provide virtual environments and motivation features adapted to people with intellectual disabilities for better engagement.