Start Date
16-6-2025 3:30 PM
End Date
16-6-2025 5:00 PM
Abstract
Background Women with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) engage in less physical activity compared to women without disabilities and men with IDD. Mamanet, the community-based sports organization in 16 countries, provides a unique venue exclusively for women to engage in physical activity. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Mamanet program among women with mild-to-moderate IDD living in community housing.
Methods A mixed-methods study included 45 women aged 23–53 with mild-to-moderate IDD (25 in the intervention group and 20 in the control group). The training program lasted for 12 weeks, with a weekly one-hour session. The quantitative component measured mobility ability using the Timed Up and Go test and fitness-related tests such as the 2-Minute Walk Test. Ball skills were also assessed. Psychological aspects were also assessed through questions about overall happiness. Motivation for physical activity was evaluated using Pelletier’s (1995) Motivation Questionnaire. The qualitative component included 20 interviews with intervention participants.
Results The intervention group showed significant improvements in quality of life, ability to rise from sitting to standing, 2-minute walking distance, and ball-handling skills from pre-to post-program. They also reported increased happiness. Over 80% of participants adhered to all training sessions. The control group showed no improvements. Participants had positive perceptions of the program, citing motivation types (intrinsic, extrinsic, identified, and amotivation), barriers to participation, and suggestions for improvement.
Conclusions The Mamanet program demonstrated significant physical and psychological benefits for women with mild-to-moderate IDD, highlighting its effectiveness as an inclusive health intervention in this population.
Recommended Citation
Barak, Sharon Dr. and Tesler, Riki Prof., "Mamanet: An Intervention Program to Promote Health Among Women Aged 21–53 with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities" (2025). International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness. 15.
https://sword.cit.ie/isapa/2025/day1/15
Mamanet: An Intervention Program to Promote Health Among Women Aged 21–53 with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Background Women with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) engage in less physical activity compared to women without disabilities and men with IDD. Mamanet, the community-based sports organization in 16 countries, provides a unique venue exclusively for women to engage in physical activity. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Mamanet program among women with mild-to-moderate IDD living in community housing.
Methods A mixed-methods study included 45 women aged 23–53 with mild-to-moderate IDD (25 in the intervention group and 20 in the control group). The training program lasted for 12 weeks, with a weekly one-hour session. The quantitative component measured mobility ability using the Timed Up and Go test and fitness-related tests such as the 2-Minute Walk Test. Ball skills were also assessed. Psychological aspects were also assessed through questions about overall happiness. Motivation for physical activity was evaluated using Pelletier’s (1995) Motivation Questionnaire. The qualitative component included 20 interviews with intervention participants.
Results The intervention group showed significant improvements in quality of life, ability to rise from sitting to standing, 2-minute walking distance, and ball-handling skills from pre-to post-program. They also reported increased happiness. Over 80% of participants adhered to all training sessions. The control group showed no improvements. Participants had positive perceptions of the program, citing motivation types (intrinsic, extrinsic, identified, and amotivation), barriers to participation, and suggestions for improvement.
Conclusions The Mamanet program demonstrated significant physical and psychological benefits for women with mild-to-moderate IDD, highlighting its effectiveness as an inclusive health intervention in this population.
