Virtual and Hybrid Health Promotion Program during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Authors

  • Lisa Mische Lawson
  • Stephanie Munson
  • Kayla Hamner

Keywords:

Autism, children, healthy eating, developmental disability, physical health, telehealth

Abstract

Many adapted sports programs were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, creating a need for alternative health promotion programs. This applied research study examined the adaptation, implementation, and evaluation of the I Can Do It (ICDI) program in a virtual/hybrid format to continue serving individuals with disabilities, during pandemic restrictions. All participants met or made progress toward physical activity and healthy eating goals during the 6-8 week program. Overweight and obese participants made improvements in at least one health measure (weight, waist circumference, or BMI) and healthy weight participants maintained healthy status during stressful pandemic conditions, indicating virtual/hybrid delivery of the ICDI program is feasible and effective.

Author Biographies

Lisa Mische Lawson

Lisa Mische Lawson, PhD, CTRS , FDRT is a professor at University of Kansas Medical Center with over 20 years of clinical experience as a recreational therapist, and 5 years as an ICDI advocate. For this project she provided mentorship to modify IDCI for virtual and hybrid delivery.

Stephanie Munson

Stephanie Munson, OTR/L was a student at University of Kansas Medical Center in the Master of Occupational Therapy program when this project was conducted. She was an ICDI coordinator, an ICDI mentor and a primary author.

Kayla Hamner

Kayla Hamner, OTR/L was a student at University of Kansas Medical Center in the Master of Occupational Therapy program when this project was conducted. She was an ICDI coordinator, an ICDI mentor and a primary author.

Published

2022-03-07

Issue

Section

Feature Articles