2023-06-07 14:56:14
Research shows activity levels in learning disabled people increase with social interaction
Researchers at the University of the West of England (Bristol) have observed a clear correlation between the level of activity of a learning disabled woman and the time she spent with visitors, suggesting that having visitors has a positive impact on activity levels.
By identifying instances where increased sedentary time coincides with periods of solitude, valuable conversations aimed at encouraging greater physical activity among under-represented groups can be initiated.
The data was gathered from Bristol resident, Penny, who was one of the early adopters of FitBees, national learning disability charity Hft’s innovative UK Research and Innovation-backed project with Tendertec aimed at empowering people, under-represented within the digital fitness market, to improve their fitness sustainably.
Since starting the FitBees programme, Penny has surprised herself, and her supporters, by throwing herself wholeheartedly into a new sporting challenge: kickboxing.
The 43-year-old now attends the brightly coloured Bristol Martial Arts Academy (BMAA) three to four times a week. She is also now setting her sights on obtaining her very first black belt.
And thanks to all her hard work, Penny has added a variety of kickboxing techniques to speak of in her armoury, from shovel punches to ‘spinning hook’ kicks, all gained under the tutelage of BMAA’s sensei.
Penny says: “I used to go to judo years ago, as I was living just around the corner from where it was held. When I got involved in FitBees, and heard about doing kickboxing, I thought, ‘bring it on!’
“I really like doing FitBees. I find it very helpful, and I like going to Bristol Martial Arts Academy. If I ever get a bit stuck with anything, I can just say, ‘Sensei, can you help? I’m a bit lost!’ And they will help.
“I’m now going to get into sparring. I do a type of kickboxing called ‘Umai Dragon Freestyle Kickboxing’, which means ‘skilful’ in Japanese – so I’m learning Japanese too!”
Digital dynamo
As a digital fitness-focused initiative, FitBees emphasises a ‘wraparound’ approach to participants’ use of smart technologies. Those taking part get access to Hestia, Tendertec’s connected care platform, which generates activity reports using data collected from Tendertec’s AI home heat sensors and other third-party wearable devices. Alongside, participants get access to motivational encouragement and community connections to support their activities.
Penny has been using a smart watch for a while to help her keep tabs on her physical fitness. However, after joining FitBees, she has started using the device to help monitor her sleep patterns too – something she is keen to keep track of “after a couple of late nights” recently.
On a recent visit, she showed Personalised Technology Project Coordinator, Ben Williams, how she was using her smart watch to log her sleep. She was reassured and pleased to record when she had successfully gone to bed and woken up at her targeted times.
UWE researchers analysed data about Penny that was collected by Tendertec’s AI home sensors over a period of 72 days. These sensors provided information about how much time Penny spent in sedentary positions, being active, alone, or with visitors.
“These insights together with the recorded personal blogs and medical/physiotherapy intervention records, can assist researchers and medical professionals support under-represented groups in becoming more active. By better understanding and identifying behaviour patterns, as well as analysing the effects of interventions, they can take appropriate action to regulate and improve activity levels” says Dr Virginia Ruiz Garate, Visiting Professor at UWE Bristol.
“The data offer interesting insights into an individual’s daily activities, shedding light on key areas for discussion and focus with both the person and their circle of support,” says Emma Nichols, Hft’s Personalised Technology Manager.
“These findings also serve as a catalyst for meaningful dialogues among social and healthcare professionals, fostering discussions about necessary changes to the person’s support. Importantly, this approach proves invaluable in situations where individuals have limited means to communicate their own health and well-being, enabling us to gain valuable insights into factors such as sleep quality and activity levels.”
At the heart of FitBees, Ben says, is helping people to find what works for them in the pursuit of better health and wellbeing, for the long term.
He says: “The most important thing with all of this is that it is about sustainable fitness – that Penny is able to go at her own pace, and not rush things.”
Penny is now keen to try out a set of ‘smart’ leggings, which are in the works for the FitBees programme, using electronics woven into the fabric to provide intuitive real-time fitness data.
Notes to editors
For further information please phone 07500 224654 or email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
