BEMIB

Exploring physical activity with people with intellectual disabilities

Topic: Health promotion
Focus: Assessing physical activity behaviour in people with intellectual disabilities
Method: Co-creation, Co-researchers

Duration: June 2023 - November 2023
Status: completed
Location: Styria
Funding: PPIE Exploration

What is the project about?

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining good health. This is particularly true for people with intellectual disabilities, such as individuals with Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), whose health and opportunities for social participation can be improved through the promotion of physical activity.
However, little is currently known about the physical activity behaviour of people with intellectual disabilities, including their motivations, preferences, and barriers to being active, as they have rarely been directly involved in research. Instead, existing evidence is typically based on reports provided by others, such as parents or support persons.
As a result, there is limited understanding of how people with intellectual disabilities themselves perceive health-promoting physical activity. The BEMIB project addresses this gap through a participatory research approach, involving people with intellectual disabilities as co-researchers throughout all stages of the research process.

What is the goal of the project?

The BEMIB project aims to answer the following research questions:
How do people with intellectual disabilities understand the concept of physical activity and its relevance to health?
Which types of physical activity do people with intellectual disabilities prefer in their everyday lives?
What barriers do people with intellectual disabilities experience, and what support or opportunities do they wish for when engaging in physical activity in their daily lives?
More broadly, the project critically explores the opportunities and challenges of conducting participatory research with people with learning disabilities. One of its key outcomes is the development of a practical guidance framework designed to raise awareness among stakeholders and provide recommendations for overcoming barriers to physical activity in this target group.

Who participates in the project?

Researchers from the University of Graz and the Human Rights Research Office (including co-researchers); people with intellectual disabilities from a wide range of social care and support organisations; support persons.

How are participants involved in the project?

People with intellectual disabilities are actively involved throughout the entire research process, including the planning, implementation, and discussion of the study and its findings. The project employs participatory methods such as workshops, focus group discussions, and tandem interviews, enabling co-researchers to contribute their perspectives and experiences at every stage of the research.

How are participants recruited for the project?

Participants are primarily recruited through the project partner LebensGroß GmbH and through established professional networks with social care and support organisations.