Projects

Balance, Motor Skills, and Physical Activity in Children

This study hopes to understand the relationships between abilities in balance and movement skills, and physical activity levels in elementary-school children, both with and without disabilities. Knowledge gained from the study will help us to create interventions to promote motor development in children.

Muscle, Bone, and Physical Activity in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

This study hopes to better understand the health of muscle, bone, and fat in adults with intellectual disabilities. We are attempting to learn how physical activity affects these parts of the body. Participation will include a series of physical tests (hand grip, leg extension, walking, standing), body measures with digital scales, a finger poke for a small blood sample, questions about diet and health, and wearing a small monitor to measure movement.

Physical Literacy and Nutrition Education (PLANE) Where Autism Soars! is an adapted physical activity program at Wayne State University (Detroit, MI). With adapted physical activities and nutrition resources and supports, PLANE delivers a unique experience for children on the Autism Spectrum and their families.
Visit: soarwithplane.org

SNAP-Ed for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities in Iowa

The purpose of this study is to see what adults with intellectual disabilities know and feel about eating healthy foods and doing physical activities.  We will use this information to create a program that will help teach adults with intellectual disabilities how to be healthy. The study will include a one-hour focus group where participants will answer questions about healthy eating habits and physical activity.