Adults with DS face unique barriers to participation in MVPA. Exergames, which integrate MVPA into video game play are an affordable, accessible, home-based exercise program which has shown effectiveness for increasing MVPA and improving both physical and cognitive function in typically developed populations. An exergaming intervention with individual health coaching called GameSquad has been shown to be effective in improving MVPA and cardiometabolic parameters in children with overweight/obesity and adolescents with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric diagnoses. The investigators propose a two phased project to adapt/evaluate the GameSquad intervention for use in adults with DS (GameSquad-DS). In Phase 1, the investigators will utilize a formative approach to develop GameSquad-DS, pilot test the intervention for 4 weeks in 10 young adults with DS and use feedback to refine the intervention for use in Phase 2. In Phase 2, the investigators will conduct a 12-wk. single arm pilot trial in 20 young adults with DS to assess the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the intervention and calculate effect sizes for change MVPA, physical function, muscular strength, physical activity enjoyment, and self-efficacy. Successful completion of this project represents an initial step in achieving the goal of developing effective interventions to increase MVPA and promote healthy aging in adults with DS.
The investigators are assessing acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the adapted GameSquad-DS intervention using validated scales alongside qualitative data among young adults with Down Syndrome. Specifically, the investigators will assess mins/wk of Ring-Fit Adventure played, attendance at 30 min. virtual health coaching sessions, semi-structured interviews, participant retention, and intervention safety measured as number of adverse events.