Active recreation for adults with learning disabilities. Version1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring participation in active recreation for adults with learning disabilities from different perspectives
IRAS ID
276545
Contact name
Rebecca Haythorne
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of York
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
There is a strong link between low levels of physical activity and high levels of physical and mental health difficulties for adults who have a learning disability (Public Health England, 2016). Active recreation (physical activities or hobbies that people do for fun) has been found to play an important role in supporting adults with learning disabilities increase both their physical (patience, 2018) and mental (Gravell, 2012) well-being. Yet, little is understood about how to successfully increase active recreation and create positive lifestyle changes for this population.
This research aims to describe the things that allow people to take part in active recreation, as well as the things that get in the way. It also looks at the positive outcomes of taking part. It will do this by interviewing people to take an in-depth look at the situation from the point of view of different people. This can help to make sure that our understanding of active recreation is rounded and meaningful (Harrison, et al., 2017). This is essential because of the way that paid carers and Occupational Therapists work together with people with a learning disability.
Participants will be identified through clinical staff in a learning disabilities NHS service located in the North of England. All participants will be asked to participate in semi-structured interviews. Adults with learning disabilities will also be asked to share any existing photographs or objects that they associate with active recreation and explore their experiences of taking part in active recreation using art i.e. painting. This will actively engage participants (Jurkowski, 2008) and is another form of describing personal accounts to enrich our understanding of experience.
The research findings will be used to develop an education pack that outlines positive approaches in supporting adults with learning disabilities participate in active recreation
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/LO/1202
Date of REC Opinion
22 Dec 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion