Objective To systematically review the benefits of digital empowerment technologies (DET) in promoting physical activity and health among children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Methods Literature was retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO and CNKI, for randomized controlled trials (RCT) published from 2014 to 2023 on the application of DET in physical activity among children with IDD. The quality was assessed, and high-quality RCT was systematically reviewed.
Results Eight high-quality RCT were included, originating from four countries, namely China, the United States, Italy and South Korea, with 376 children with IDD, main published in the journals about intellectual disability applications, developmental disability research and clinical medicine, from 2018 to 2023. The children aged seven to 18 years, suffered from intellectual disabilities (including Down syndrome), autism and other developmental disabilities. The technologies could be summarized in wearable technology, cloud computing guided and monitored by mobile health, virtual reality and augmented reality, and active video gaming technologies. The devices involved active video games, Fitbit smart devices, Wii Fit balance games, Stepmania rhythm video games, Xbox Kinect system, VZFit sensors and CoTras cognitive rehabilitation computer games. The virtual physical activities included boxing, track and field, bowling, table tennis, beach volleyball, football, baseball, skiing, tennis, golf, darts, American football, shooting, jumping, jogging and jump rope; 20 to 45 minutes a time, one to five times a week, for four to twelve weeks. The interventions could be conducted in homes, special education schools and rehabilitation institutions. The health benefits mainly reflected in improved levels of physical activity, enhanced motor function and increased motor and daily life capacity.
Conclusion Application of DET in physical activity may increase the participation of children with IDD in virtual environments, schools, communities and rehabilitation institutions; improve upper and lower limb motor function, gross motor function, and muscle strength; enhance static balance, motor coordination and sensorimotor function; reduce the sedentary behavior; and improve cognitive, daily living skills and social abilities.