Perceived key elements of an exercise programme for adults with LD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluating Stakeholders Perceptions of Key Elements in the Success of an Exercise Programme for People with Learning Disabilities (LD)
IRAS ID
339134
Contact name
Nicole Finney
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Canterbury Christ Church University, Salomons Centre for Applied Psychology
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 5 days
Research summary
Research shows that adults with learning disabilities (LDs) have more co-existing physical and mental health conditions compared to the general population, and that sport and exercise interventions can improve this. However, there are many barriers to adults with LDs accessing these, ranging from motivational to practical, which require adaptation and support from different parts of the individuals’ network (systemic levels). Research suggests taking both whole systems and whole person approaches, providing education and support for staff and carers in their delivery, is most successful. An exercise programme involving the collaboration of a community LD team, local council and leisure provider has been deemed beneficial across multiple service evaluations. However, these evaluations have focused on service user feedback and not considered the views of individuals across different systemic levels. This is important as research suggests that whole system involvement impacts the success and sustainability of community-based programmes for adults with LD like this. Thus, this research is a cross-sectional qualitative design using semi-structured interviews to explore the elements that individuals involved at different systemic levels feel contribute to the programme’s effectiveness and sustainability. Interviews would explore why individuals have worked together and/or participated in the programme and the key aspects or processes that have enabled this programme to be beneficial and sustainable. This may provide some guidance about key elements of community-based programmes for other people wanting to create similar programmes. The consultant psychologist co-ordinating the programme will identify appropriate individuals involved with the programme at each systemic level to be invited to participate. Their perceptions will be explored via semi-structured interviews conducted both online and in-person at the NHS service. Following this data will be analysed using reflexive thematic analysis (TA).
REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
24/WA/0107
Date of REC Opinion
25 Apr 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion