Welfare Technology in Action: Digital tools for enhancing Physical Activity and Motivation for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

This project addresses a critical public health issue: the low levels of physical activity and motivation among individuals with intellectual disabilities, who often face barriers limiting their participation in health-promoting activities. These challenges negatively impact their quality of life and place additional strain on social and healthcare systems.

Increasing physical activity in this population is essential not only for their personal health but also to reduce caregiving burdens and associated costs.Digitalization and welfare technology offer innovative solutions to support this group in accessible, engaging, and scalable ways.

Tools such as apps, activity trackers, and game-based training programs have shown promise in making physical activity more appealing and feasible for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

These technologies are particularly relevant for social services, enabling personalized, evidence-based support that can enhance independence and overall well-being.This research project aims to fill a knowledge gap by conducting a systematic literature review to determine the effectiveness of digital tools in improving motivation and physical activity among people with intellectual disabilities.

Through this review, the project seeks to identify effective tools, examine barriers and opportunities in implementation, and provide evidence-based recommendations for social services.

The findings will inform policymakers and practitioners, guiding the integration of technology to enhance support for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families.Ultimately, this project has the potential to foster more inclusive and sustainable care models, improving the quality of life for individuals with intellectual disabilities and contributing to more efficient use of resources in social and healthcare systems.

By empowering this group with digital tools, society can progress toward a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals of all cognitive abilities.