# Technology Utilisation and Engagement in Physical Activity of Adolescents With Intellectual Disabilities: A Scoping Review

## TL;DR

This review explores how technology is used to support physical activity in adolescents with intellectual disabilities, finding that most studies focus on monitoring rather than engagement.

## Contribution

The paper highlights the underutilization of technology to actively engage adolescents with intellectual disabilities in physical activity.

## Key findings

- Most studies use technology to monitor physical activity behaviors.
- Exergaming shows potential as a viable modality for physical activity engagement.
- Future research should include adolescent perspectives to improve inclusive technology interventions.

## Abstract

Low levels of physical activity (PA) among adolescents with intellectual disabilities are a serious health concern that increases the risk for chronic health conditions. This scoping review examines technology utilisation that supports PA engagement among adolescents with intellectual disabilities.

Guided by Arksey and O'Malley's framework, major web‐based searches were conducted. Methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed‐Methods Appraisal Tool.

Forty‐five studies met eligibility. Forty‐four studies utilised technology devices to quantify PA behaviours and address measurement practices. Limited studies utilised technology to influence PA engagement, but suggested the potential value for improving PA participation, duration and intensity to support this population.

Findings highlight the limited utilisation of technology to assist with supporting PA among adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Further, there is a need to emphasise the incorporation of adolescents' perspectives in the development and implementation of future technology‐driven interventions to improve PA engagement.

The majority of studies utilised technology to monitor and measure physical activity behaviour among adolescents with intellectual disabilities.Limited studies utilized technology to influence engagement in physical activity among adolescents with intellectual disabilities.Evidence suggests exergaming applications as a viable modality for physical activity among adolescents with intellectual disabilities, but capturing the voices of adolescents with intellectual disabilities is needed to support inclusive researchFuture research is needed to access the adoption of technology to address physical activity engagement and health disparities among adolescents with intellectual disabilities.

The majority of studies utilised technology to monitor and measure physical activity behaviour among adolescents with intellectual disabilities.

Limited studies utilized technology to influence engagement in physical activity among adolescents with intellectual disabilities.

Evidence suggests exergaming applications as a viable modality for physical activity among adolescents with intellectual disabilities, but capturing the voices of adolescents with intellectual disabilities is needed to support inclusive research

Future research is needed to access the adoption of technology to address physical activity engagement and health disparities among adolescents with intellectual disabilities.