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

  nf206@canterbury.ac.uk

• 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

  Summary of Research:
  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).

  Summary of Findings
  Background: Adults with LDs experience significant health inequalities which could be reduced through physical activity (PA). However, PA participation has declined in the UK, particularly among adults with LDs who face multiple barriers to engagement. Overcoming these barriers requires support from the surrounding ecological system. Therefore, a community-based programme called Fun and Fitness (F&F) was co-developed by stakeholders across systemic levels. This has been beneficial for adults with LDs, but stakeholder perspectives had not yet been explored.

  Aims: The research aim was to evaluate stakeholder perceptions at different systemic levels involved in the exercise programme by using the following questions:
  1. What do different stakeholders think are the most effective elements (meaning those that contribute to successful outcomes) of F&F?
  2. What are the commonalities and differences in stakeholders’ perceptions of the effective elements at different levels of the system around F&F?
  3. What elements do stakeholders perceive contribute to the sustainability of F&F?

  Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted on 18 stakeholders from different systemic levels. This included:
  • Four service users (SUs)
  • Four carers
  • Three multidisciplinary team professionals
  • Two staff members involved in delivery
  • Three individuals involved in development
  • Two strategic decision makers

  Data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to identify patterns of meaning (themes) across systemic levels. Data was coded primarily from the perspectives shared rather than using any pre-existing knowledge (inductively).
  Analysis: Four themes and two sub-themes emerged:
  • Continued Motivation
  o Motivation from positive outcomes
  o Motivation from meeting values
  • Systemic Development
  • Managing and Maintaining Resources
  • Compassion and Inclusivity
  Findings highlighted the importance of valuing contributions across systemic levels, the influence of stakeholders’ roles and expertise, shared values and addressing barriers for programme success.

  Implications and Future Directions: These key elements could be used to inform the development of similar programmes. However further research into how to create these elements, individual differences and higher levels of influence would be helpful.
  

• REC name

  Wales REC 6

• REC reference

  24/WA/0107

• Date of REC Opinion

  25 Apr 2024

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion