Feasibility of the Eat and Exercise to Win Program for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

Objectives

Difficulties with healthy eating and lack of exercise are ubiquitous in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and are risk factors to a healthy lifestyle.

The objective of this study is to assess the feasibility of the Eat and Exercise to Win Program in a community sample of adults with IDD.

Methods

Participants were 17 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and five direct care staff. Health coaches delivered weekly sessions to the adults for a year — staff observed sessions, receiving materials before sessions. Adults with IDD completed surveys and a group interview assessing perceptions of the program; weights were assessed. Staff completed interviews assessing adults’ engagement and understanding of the material, their perceptions of implementation of the program, and a program validity and impact scale.

Results

Implementation fidelity was high. Both adults with IDD and staff reported that drinking more water and understanding the importance of eating more fruits and vegetables were positive results of the program. Adults with IDD were exercising more, especially walking. Findings indicated that adults who attended over 75% of the sessions lost an average of about four pounds at the end of the program and those who attended less than 75% of the lessons gained about four pounds.

Conclusions

Adults with IDD indicated knowledge change, and staff provided high ratings of implementation fidelity. Future research with an active control group and further investigation of behavior change will advance knowledge about program impact.