Testing the PACE Program A 16-Week Physical Activity Intervention to Increase Exercise in Adults with Intellectual Disability Without Signs of Alzheimers Disease

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating an inclusive physical activity program called PACE for adults with intellectual disability ID who do not show signs of Alzheimers Disease or related dementias. This randomized controlled trial includes 120 adults with ID, their caregivers, and coaches, aiming to study the effects of physical activity on health and wellbeing in this population. The study is sponsored by the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. The study involves a 16-week intervention with weekly group fitness classes led by certified Inclusive Fitness Specialists. Participants in the intervention group will also use a web-based dashboard, attend weekly coaching meetings, and have access to web-based training for coaches and exercise professionals. Those in the waitlist control group will receive the PACE program after the initial 16-week period. The program is designed to encourage moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and community empowerment. Participants undergo screening and baseline assessments including cognitive testing, dementia screening, and physical activity monitoring with an Actigraph device worn for a week. Assessments include body composition scans, quality of life questionnaires, daily living skills, mental and cognitive functioning, emotional health, and physical fitness tests. Follow-up visits occur post-intervention and at 12 months to evaluate changes. The primary outcomes are steps per day and minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity measured by the Actigraph at baseline and after 16 weeks.

Physical Activity and Community EmPOWERment Project