The Valemee Visual System Helps Reduce Risk for Chronic Illness by Promoting Physical Fitness, Self-Efficacy and Independence in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A Collaborative Study
Publication Date
3-8-2025
Zoom Link for Presentation
Start Date
3-8-2025 10:30 AM
End Date
3-8-2025 10:45 AM
Presentation Type
Research Presentation
Showcase Track
Information Technology in Healthcare (ITIH)
Abstract
Introduction
Sedentary behavior among individuals with intellectual disabilities, driven by barriers such as limited access to adapted programs and low self-efficacy, contributes to chronic health conditions. A multidisciplinary group of researchers consisting of exercise scientists and intellectual disability experts from three universities, in consultation with a small business owner, evaluated the effectiveness of the Valemee Visual System (VVS) in improving physical fitness and promoting exercise independence in individuals with intellectual disabilities. The VVS is a novel tool offering visual support and structured exercise programming for this population.
Methods
Using a repeated measures design, 22 participants (ages 22-44) with mild to moderate disabilities participated in an 8-week exercise program intervention. The VVS was used to during this intervention to support the total body fitness training.
Results
Significant improvements in fitness tests, including grip strength, sit-to-stand performance, bench press capacity, 400-m walk time, and flexibility, were observed. Self-efficacy increased, and participants exhibited reduced reliance on prompts, indicating greater independence and autonomy for exercise participation.
Conclusions
The VVS can enhance exercise accessibility and physical fitness in adults with intellectual disabilities. This tool also shows promise in increasing adherence, supporting long-term health and reducing chronic disease risk.
Recommended Citation
Blazek, Alisa; Dujmovic-Bračak, Anthony; Post, Emily M.; Goodway, Jacqueline D.; and Swain, Carmen B., "The Valemee Visual System Helps Reduce Risk for Chronic Illness by Promoting Physical Fitness, Self-Efficacy and Independence in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A Collaborative Study" (2025).
Franklin University Scholarship Showcase. Paper 22.
Available at: https://fuse.franklin.edu/showcase/2025/presentations/22
The Valemee Visual System Helps Reduce Risk for Chronic Illness by Promoting Physical Fitness, Self-Efficacy and Independence in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A Collaborative Study
Introduction
Sedentary behavior among individuals with intellectual disabilities, driven by barriers such as limited access to adapted programs and low self-efficacy, contributes to chronic health conditions. A multidisciplinary group of researchers consisting of exercise scientists and intellectual disability experts from three universities, in consultation with a small business owner, evaluated the effectiveness of the Valemee Visual System (VVS) in improving physical fitness and promoting exercise independence in individuals with intellectual disabilities. The VVS is a novel tool offering visual support and structured exercise programming for this population.
Methods
Using a repeated measures design, 22 participants (ages 22-44) with mild to moderate disabilities participated in an 8-week exercise program intervention. The VVS was used to during this intervention to support the total body fitness training.
Results
Significant improvements in fitness tests, including grip strength, sit-to-stand performance, bench press capacity, 400-m walk time, and flexibility, were observed. Self-efficacy increased, and participants exhibited reduced reliance on prompts, indicating greater independence and autonomy for exercise participation.
Conclusions
The VVS can enhance exercise accessibility and physical fitness in adults with intellectual disabilities. This tool also shows promise in increasing adherence, supporting long-term health and reducing chronic disease risk.