Background/Purpose The application and efficacy of theoretical-based health promotion programs designed for persons with intellectual disabilities (ID) are under researched and imperative research topics. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a 12-week Transtheoretical Model (TTM) guided health promotion program in multi-dimensional outcome indicators on adults with ID.
Method This study used a pre-post randomized control trial design. Participants included 60 adults with ID (Control group, n = 28, Intervention group, n =32; Age in yr.: M = 38.2, SD = 7.97). The 12-week health promotion intervention included health education and exercise components structured by the TTM. Participants in intervention group met 3 days a week and 90 minutes per day, for 12 consecutive weeks. The direct caregivers of intervention participants with ID were closely involved throughout the intervention.
Analysis/Results A series of analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) were computed to compare the outcome variables in posttest scores of participants between control and intervention groups using the pretest scores as covariates. The findings revealed that the intervention participants have significantly improved their Body Mass Index, weight, skinfold thickness, lower body muscular strength, flexibility, balance, energy, step counts per day, and nutrition and physical activity knowledge (p <.05).
Conclusions Direct caregivers' involvement and support are crucial in building a successful health promotion program for adults with ID. Longitudinal research examining physical activity adherence and changes in healthy behaviors (i.e., diet and physical activity) of both adults with ID and their caregivers followed by a TTM approach intervention is needed.