Digital Commons Network^™

Preservice Teachers As Active Decision-Makers In The Learning Process, Katrena Leininger

The Reading Professor

One goal of a teacher education program is to facilitate the opportunity for preservice teachers to become adaptive and responsive to students' needs. Thus, teacher education programs include field-based clinical experiences. The purpose of this article is to describe a qualitative study of 94 preservice teachers' perspectives about their participation in an interactive field experience model, designed by the researcher/instructor, where they were the active decision-makers in the learning process of a young child. Social constructivist theories that situate learning as embedded in sociocultural environments framed this study and the interactive field experience model. Participants' video and written reflections along …

Teachers' Perceptions Of Pandemic Learning Losses Among English Language Learners: Effects Of Language Proficiencies And Language Modalities, Audrey Figueroa Murphy, Bruce Torff

The Reading Professor

Practicing teachers (n=95) completed a survey in correlational research conducted to determine the extent to which, and the ways in which, they reported learning losses among English Language Learners stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic. Two candidate factors were examined: language proficiencies (L1 and L2) and language modalities (listening, speaking, reading, writing). Students weak in both languages showed the largest losses, and students strong in both, the smallest. Low L-2 students suffered larger losses than high-L2 students regardless of L1 proficiency. In speaking skills, when L2 is weak, low-L1 students had larger losses than high-L1 students. Teachers reported no significant differences …

The Effect Of Exercise Program On Musculoskeletal Changes In Individuals With Diabetic Foot Syndrome, Eliška Vrátná, Klára Daďová, Jitka Vařeková, Vladimíra Fejfarová, Kateřina Králová

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction Diabetic Foot Syndrome (DFS) is one of the most serious complications of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) with severe health and socioeconomic consequences. It is defined as ulceration, infection, or tissue destruction of the foot associated with chronic angiopathy or neuropathy. Physical activity is considered an important part of treatment with positive impacts on all mentioned aspects and complications of DFS [1-7].

Methodology 12-weeks multicomponent movement intervention program examined changes in the musculoskeletal system (dynamometry, goniometry), fitness (Senior Fitness Test) and physical activity (IPAQ) in 38 patients with DFS in remission. The research population was divided into two groups …

Incorporating "Exercise Snacks" Into School Lunch Breaks Promotes Cardiorespiratory Fitness And Self-Perceived Physical Competence Among Adolescents With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Jinghao Sui, Cindy Hui-Ping Sit, Jie Feng, Sima Dastamooz, Chang Liu

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction

Regular physical activity is essential for improving physical and mental health outcomes in adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). School lunch breaks offer opportunities for structured physical activity. This study examined the effects of “exercise snacks” on cardiorespiratory fitness and self-perceived competence in adolescents with ADHD in Hong Kong.

Methodology

Fifty-five adolescents (Mage=13.96 ± 1.49 yrs.) clinically diagnosed with ADHD were randomly allocated to either an intervention (n=30) or a control (n=25) group using block randomization. The 12-week intervention consisted of 15-minute moderate-intensity physical activity sessions, three times a week during school lunch breaks. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed using …

A Two-Year Study On Dual-Task Interventions: Advancing Elderly Care In Community Settings, Kameliya Konstantinova, Emerick Kaitell

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Cognitive and physical decline among older adults presents a critical global challenge, with over 14% of UK seniors experiencing cognitive disorders. This decline significantly impacts daily functioning, mental health, and social well-being, necessitating innovative interventions. This study examines the effectiveness of dual-task physical exercises, which integrate cognitive challenges, in improving cognitive performance and social outcomes among older adults.

A two-year longitudinal study was conducted with 45 participants aged 65–104 across three London boroughs. The program featured one-hour, chair-based sessions twice weekly, combining balance exercises with tasks requiring memory recall and problem-solving. Data were gathered through structured observations, caregiver feedback, and …

A Study Of The Relationship Between 24h Physical Activity Behavior And Basic Motor Skills In 3-6 Year Old Children, Chen Feiyu, Wang Xiaozan, Xu Qinping

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction

Because of benchmarking national policies is to develop the fundamental motor skills of children aged 3-6 as a key goal,we should pay attention to the specific direction of the health field for children aged 3-6,with the development of the FMS(Fundamental Motor Skills) as an important content .

Methodology

First, using the documentation method；Second,survey the FMS of children and the 24-hour physical activity behavior of children aged 3-6.At last,use SPSS software to statistically analyze the test data.

Results

A study on the correlation between 24-hour physical activity behavior and the FMS in 3-6 year old children.24-hour activity time combination …

An Investigation On Parental Perceived Motor Competence In Children On The Autism Spectrum, Zhihui Li, Yuemei Lu, Chenjun Zong, Zichao Zhang, Xiaozan Wang

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

An Investigation on Parental Perceived Motor Competence in Children on the autism spectrum

Introduction

Motor delay and abnormalities in children on the autism spectrum (ASD) has raised increasing attention, as they could impact their daily lives and overall development. This study aims to investigate parents' perceptions of motor competency in their children on the autism spectrum across different age groups, thereby providing insight into the changes in their motor development levels.

Methodology

This study recruited 61 parents of children on the autism spectrum. A parental proxy of Perceived Movement Skill Competence (PMSC) was utilized to assess parents’ perceptions of their …

Move Smart Ms - Online Physical Activity And Education Programmes, Susan Coote Prof, Hugh O'Loughlin

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Background: Move Smart MS (MSMS) offers specialised, tailored, online group exercise programmes for people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS). The specialist team delivers exercise and education to groups with similar symptom focus, age and ability with the aim of increasing physical activity participation.

Participants: Participants were screened for safety to exercise, balance and falls risk and placed into an appropriate program with tailored content for their symptoms and mobility levels. 262 participants took part over three blocks of 10 weeks. The programme provided 290 1.5 hour sessions across thirty-five programmes.

Methods: Outcomes were 30 second sit to stand test (STS) six-minute …

A Study On The Correlation Between Actual Motor Competence And Parental Perceived Motor Abilities In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Chenjun Zong, Yuemei Lu, Zhihui Li, Zichao Zhang, Xiaozan Wang

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction The increasing population of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) poses challenges for families and society. These children often experience delays in motor skills. This study investigates the correlation between their actual motor competence and parents' perceptions of their children’s motor abilities, which play a crucial role in shaping skill development.

Methodology 29 Chinese children with ASD were recruited in this study. The parental proxy of Perceived Movement Skill Competence (PMSC) and the Test of Gross Motor Development-Third Edition (TGMD-3) were used to collect data on parents' perceptions of their children’s motor abilities and their actual motor competence. Correlation …

Physical Fitness Levels Of Adult Special Olympics Athletes Across Sports, Hanna H. Lee, Franziska Loetzner, Andrew Pitchford

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction Understanding the physical fitness of adults with intellectual disabilities participating in Special Olympics (SO) is essential for promoting health and optimizing athletic performance. Previous studies have identified low physical fitness outcomes among SO athletes (Temple et al., 2022), but sport-specific differences have not been examined. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine how physical fitness levels differed across sports among adult SO athletes.

Methodology Data were collected from 561 athletes (ages 18–60) who completed Healthy Athletes FunFitness screenings at the 2022 USA Summer Games. Two-by-two ANOVAs were conducted for each fitness measure with fixed effects of sport …

Mediating Role Of Self-Determined Motivation In The Relationship Between Mindfulness And Intention Toward Physical Activity Among Individuals With Physical Disabilities, Jaehwa Kim, Sang Yeon Woo, Hyun-Su Lee, Gun-Sang Cho, Seokmin Yun

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Physical activity enhances health and quality of life in people with physical disabilities, yet their participation rates remain low in Korea. According to Ryan & Deci (2000), self-determination theory, satisfaction of basic psychological needs fosters autonomous motivation, which is essential for personal growth. Earlier studies have shown that this theory is a robust framework for understanding the links between motivation and physical activity. Recently, mindfulness has gained attention for its role in the relationship between motivation and physical activity (Brown & Ryan, 2003; Schneider et al., 2019). This study aimed to explore the mediating roles of self-determined motivation in the …

Analyzing The Intention To Use Digital Technology In Physical Activities For People With Disabilities: A Study Based On The Theory Of Planned Behavior, Hyunsu Lee Prof., Jaehwa Kim Prof., Gunsang Cho Prof.

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction In the era of digital transformation, advancements in digital technology have revolutionized sports and recreational activities, enabling hybrid formats that transcend spatial and temporal limitations. However, the digital divide remains a significant challenge, particularly for socially marginalized groups such as individuals with disabilities. Physical, economic, and geographical barriers often limit their participation in the digital aspects of recreational sports, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to address these disparities.

Methodology This study investigates the factors influencing the intention of individuals with disabilities to adopt digital technology in recreational sports, utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as the theoretical …

Proposed Digital-Based, Customized Sports Program For The Underprivileged, Gunsang Cho Prof., Jaehwa Kim Prof., Hyunsu Lee Prof.

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction Marginalized groups, including older adults and individuals with physical disabilities, are often excluded from opportunities to participate in physical activities due to barriers such as physical environmental constraints, social prejudice, and limited access to information (Rimmer & Rowland, 2008). Mobility limitations and the lack of suitable exercise programs hinder their health promotion and psychological well-being, creating a vicious cycle that increases the risk of chronic diseases and deepens social isolation (WHO, 2021). This study proposes a sports program leveraging digital technology to overcome these barriers and encourage sustainable participation in physical activities.

Methodology Using the literature analysis method, we …

Expanding Access To Cybergis-Compute Through Support For Heterogeneous Workflows, Alexander C. Michels, Ian Zhang, Anand Padmanabhan, John Speaks, Rebecca Vandewalle, Shaowen Wang

I-GUIDE Forum

CyberGIS-Compute is a geospatial middleware tool designed to lower technical barriers to High-Performance Computing (HPC) resources. It provides end-users with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for submitting models to HPC and allows model developers to contribute their workflows by adding a manifest to their repositories. However, the simplification of the user interface and streamlining of model contribution have unintentionally limited the scope of models that could be run on CyberGIS-Compute. In this paper, we discuss recent developments to the CyberGIS-Compute project that are aimed at supporting a wider variety of workflows including performance enhancements, supporting additional configuration options for jobs, …

The Impact Of Service-Learning On Undergraduate Kinesiology Majors’ Self-Efficacy Toward Working With Individuals With Disabilities, Michihito Ichihara, Chloe Simpson, Ken Hansen, Mai Narasaki Jara

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Intro: Service-learning experiences enhance self-efficacy in undergraduate kinesiology students, preparing them to teach individuals with disabilities (IWD) through real-life experiences. Yet, few such courses exist, leading to issues like limited exposure to disabilities, lack of guidance in teaching IWD, and constrained funding and quality assurance (Narasaki-Jara et al., 2020; Santiago et al., 2016).

Purpose: To investigate undergraduate kinesiology (KIN) students’ self-efficacy toward working with IWD over an 8-week service-learning program.

Method: 35 undergraduate students (27 students did practicum experience in teaching various physical activities for IWD from the local community and 8 students never have practicum experience) completed a pre …

Move And Thrive: Effectiveness Of A Structured Motor Intervention On Motor Behaviors And Social Development In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Yuemei Lu, Chenjun Zong, Zichao Zhang, Zhihui Li, Xiaozan Wang

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction Social impairments are core symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Individuals with ASD also often experience motor abnormalities and low levels of physical activity, making them encounter many challenges and hindering their overall development. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a three-week intensive and structured motor intervention designed to improve motor behaviors and foster social development in children with ASD.

Methodology The study involved 18 children with ASD (9.58±2.76 years, 15 boys, 3 girls). Participants took part in daily 90-minute sessions over 15 days. The intervention focused on rhythmic dance, as well as experiencing …

Active Play Among Young Children (0-4 Years) With Disabilities: A Scoping Review, Alessia M. Capone, Kelly Arbour-Nicitopoulos, Louise De Lannoy, Suzanne Deliscar, Leah G. Taylor, Patricia Tucker, Leigh M. Vanderloo, Maeghan E. James

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction. Active play is often the primary form of physical activity (PA) in early childhood, typically involving child-led, unstructured activities. Active play has been used as a method of assessment and promotion of physical activity in the early years. This review aims to investigate the quality of participation in active play for children with disabilities aged 0-4 in current literature, to provide insight to strategies of inclusion. Methods. The paper adhered to Joanna Briggs Institute best practice guidance and reporting items for scoping reviews. A search of Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, Embase, and SportDiscus was conducted in May 2024, using 91search …

Impact Of Physical Activity On Quality Of Life: Examining The Quality Of Life Of People With Developmental Disabilities In South Korea Using The 2023 Work And Life Status Survey, Jiyeon Kim

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

This study aimed to investigate the impact of physical activity on social participation and quality of life among individuals with developmental disabilities. The analysis utilized data from 2,061 individuals with developmental disabilities and 3,000 guardians, derived from the 2023 Survey on the Work and Life Status of People with Developmental Disabilities published by the Korea Employment Agency for the Disabled. Frequency analysis, cross-tabulation, and structural equation modeling were employed to analyze the data. The findings revealed three key results: First, significant differences were observed in physical activity participation based on gender, educational attainment, and region of residence. Second, participation in …

Exploration And Practice Of Kdl Motor Intervention For Children With Special Needs, Xiaozan Wang, Qinping Xu, Meiyuan Chen, Yuemei Lu

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction Children with special needs often face numerous challenges in daily life, and their families experience significant stress. Emerging literature suggests that motor interventions can effectively alleviate symptoms and promote multifaceted development in children with special needs. However, research and practice on motor interventions for these children remain limited in China. This study implemented a series of interventions based on the KDL (Know it, Do it, Love it) Physical Education and Health Curriculum and assessed its effectiveness.

Methodology 82 Children with special needs including Motor Delay (MD, n=44), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, n=20), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD, n=18) …

Physical Activity (Pa) And Barriers Of Adults With Special Needs – How Do Age, Gender, Living Environment And The Nature Of Special Needs Affect It?, Timo Ala-Vähälä Phd, Venla Väyrynen M.H.Sc.

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Timo Ala-Vähälä, PhD, Finnish Society of Sport Sciences

Venla Väyrynen, M.H.Sc., Finnish Society of Sport Sciences

Physical activity (PA) and barriers of adults with special needs – how do age, gender, living environment and the nature of special needs affect it?

Introduction. People with special needs face more barriers to participating in activities such as sports services. In Finland, special sports services are offered by municipalities, sports associations, civil society organizations, and the private sector. Self-directed PA facilities exist but are unevenly distributed. This study examined barriers to PA and how age, gender, disability and living environment relate to PA …

Affective Reflective Theory: An Exploratory Study Of The Exercise Experiences Of Elite Wheelchair Curlers, Jeffrey Martin, Klara Dadova, Eva Prokesova, Jitka Varekova, Drew J. Martin

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction: We tested an affect-based mediation model of exercise motivation.

Methodology: Wheelchair curlers (N = 44) from 8 different countries (e.g., Korea) playing in an international tournament participated. Participants were adults (M = 49.9; SD = 8.5) and had physical impairments (e.g., SCI). Athletes completed the Affective Exercise Experiences scale assessing 7 antecedent cognitive appraisals (e.g., competence, disability based cognitive appraisals of physical activity (PA)) predicting attraction/antipathy to PA as mediated by pleasure, energy, calmness.

Results: We failed to support a parallel mediation model as there was no significant indirect effect of the 7 cognitive appraisals …

Ai-Driven Adapted Physical Activity To Promote Health And Mobility For Frail Older Adults, Yijian Yang Prof, Xiaoping Zheng Dr, Jingwen Pan Dr, Ka Po Chan Ms

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction Physical activity (PA) programs have been widely implemented to promote health and maintain functional mobility in older adults. However, existing PA programs are mainly single component (e.g., resistance training, walking) and do not consider the diverse functional capacities of older adults. This study aimed to develop and evaluate an artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted PA program for enhancing mobility in frail older adults.

Methodology We developed a computer algorithm that can generate PA prescription based on the functional status of older adults and a multi-component PA program, Mobility-Fit (Yang et al. 2024). 146 older adults from 20 care facilities were recruited …

Parents Of Athletes In Competitive Paralympic Sports - A Combination Of Mapping And Scoping Review, Alina Vogel, Sabine Radtke

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction Parental support is a crucial factor in facilitating children’s engagement in competitive sports (Knight et al., 2017). Martin and Choi (2009) emphasize the even greater importance of parents for children with disabilities participating in sports. So far, only a few studies address the significance of parents in competitive Paralympic sports (e.g. Coates & Howe, 2023). The current study aims to present the state of research using a combined mapping and scoping review and to summarize the key findings regarding parents in competitive sports. The following research question is to be addressed: what subtopics have been researched, what underlying theories …

Participation Of People With Impairments In Shaping Accessible Sports Facility Standards: Opportunities And Obstacles, Jonas Wibowo, Lasse Müller

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction

Spatial barriers significantly hinder sports participation for people with impairments (Jaarsma et al., 2014). This study aims to develop standards for accessible sports facility design through three interconnected research projects, utilizing participatory approaches that involve different groups of people with impairments (Vaughn & Jacquez, 2020). The presentation will examine the potential and challenges of various participation formats based on empirical findings.

Methodology

• IBASS (Indicators of Accessibility for Sports Facilities): Document analysis (N=16) of accessibility guidelines to identify specific criteria, supplemented by expert interviews (N=18) on prioritization.

• NoBarS!: Quantitative measurement (N=15) of accessibility in sports facilities, …

“What’S Good For The Goose Just Might Be Good For The Gander”: A Proposal For Self-Study Of Practice (S-Sp) Methodology In Apa Research, Tomás Alyward

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction Self-study of Teaching and Teacher Education Practice (S-STTEP) has been applied in higher education settings for more than forty years (Russell, 2022). (McPhail, 2012). In particular, the application of this research methodology in Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) has significantly enhanced the professional development (PD) of academics in this domain (Lunenberg et al., 2020). It has also increased the scholarly outputs associated with PD in this field (McPhail, 2012). While professional formation in APA and APE is closely aligned with PETE, this research method has not featured in APA publications.

Methodology: A case study in APA teaching practice was …

Move To Improve: An 8-Week, Coach-Led Fundamental Movement Skill Intervention For Children With Intellectual Disabilities, Hayley Kavanagh, Sarah Meegan, Nathan Gavigan, Valerie Carson, Morgan Potter, Mika Manninen

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction

Fundamental movement skills (FMS)—including locomotor, object control, and balance skills—are critical for participation in sports and physical activity. Children with intellectual disabilities (CwID) often exhibit lower motor skill proficiency compared to typically developing children: 1 – 3 SMDs, limiting their engagement in such activities. Addressing this gap aligns with the ISAPA 2025 theme of "Inclusivizing Our World" by promoting equitable access to skill development opportunities for all children. Despite the need, there is no established gold-standard intervention to improve FMS proficiency in CwID.

Methodology

57 CwID (66% Male, mean age 8.1, SD = 2.1), participated in an 8-week, coach-led …

#Wheelchairbbstories: A Co-Designed Resource For Accessible Dissemination Of Research, Lesley M. Sharpe Dr, Janine K. Coates Dr, Victoria Goosey-Tolfrey Prof

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Historically, the voices of disabled young people have been omitted from research concerning their physical education and sport provisions (Maher & Haegele, 2024). Whilst emancipatory research designs like participatory and creative methods offer platforms to include and empower disabled young people in research (Kara et al., 2021; Sharpe et al., 2021), such inclusion often does not extend to dissemination of such research findings. Traditional research dissemination is dominated by journal articles and book chapters, which are inaccessible to, or fail resonate with, the young people with whom we conduct research (Stride et al., 2022; Watermeyer, 2014).

#WheelchairBBStories is a novel …

Writing And Reviewing For Apaq: A Panel Discussion With The Editor And Associate Editors, Justin Haegele, Janine Coates, Phil Esposito, Sean Healy, Andrew Pitchford, Cindy Sit

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly is the primary international, peer-reviewed, multidisciplinary journal solely dedicated to the advancement of original empirical research relating to physical activity for and among people with disabilities. APAQ is also the official journal of the International Federation of Adapted Physical Activity. With a mission to publish the latest scholarly inquiry related to physical activity for individuals with disabilities, and to encourage a diversity of topics and approaches to answer adapted physical activity-related questions, APAQ is the home of many seminal works in the field. This session will include a panel discussion with the current APAQ editor and …

The Effects Of Physical Activity Timing And Adherence To Physical Activity Guidelines On Sleep In Children With Adhd, Xiao Liang Dr, Hui Qiu Dr, Mengping Zhao, Nan Liu, Huan Richard Xu Dr

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Background

Regular physical activity (PA) benefits sleep, but its timing and adherence to the WHO's 60-minute MVPA guideline can affect sleep, especially in children with ADHD who frequently experience sleep problems. This study examines how exercise timing influences sleep parameters (e.g., sleep latency, sleep efficiency, total sleep time, and wake after sleep onset [WASO]) in children with ADHD.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 229 children with ADHD (Mage=8.61 ± 1.30, 80.3% boys). PA timing was categorized as more than 8 hours before bedtime, 3–8 hours before, and less than 3 hours before. MVPA guideline attainment was defined as ≥ 60 …

A Behaviour Analysis Of Adult Nutrition Behaviours And Technology Use Of Individuals Living With Severe Mental Illness In High Support Hostels In Ireland., Ciara M. O'Sullivan, Alison Merrotsy, Indika Dhanapala, Tara Coppinger

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Introduction: Individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) often have poor diet quality⁽¹⁾_. Factors influencing their nutritional habits include psychotropic medications^(2–5), low motivation and cognitive impairment⁽⁶⁾, food insecurity^(7,8)_, body weight management⁽⁸⁾_, challenges in meal planning, and limited autonomy over food choices in controlled environments⁽¹⁰⁾.Digital technology in health interventions is a growing area of research, showing potential for behaviour change in this population⁽¹¹⁾. However, few specifically target improvements in nutrition behaviours⁽¹¹⁾.

Understanding nutritional behaviours and the potential use of technology in their contextual settings is …