Perceptual-vision training as a strategy for healthy aging in adults with intellectual disability: a study protocol

Aging leads to changes in motor-cognitive performance. Despite the importance of physical activity for healthy aging and the need for health promotion interventions in individuals with intellectual disability (ID), there is a lack of empirically strategies for promoting health in adults with ID. The...

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Main Authors: Luca Cavaggioni, Damiano Formenti, Paolo Castiglioni, Luca Paolo Ardigò, Giampiero Merati
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-04-01
Series:Frontiers in Psychology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1526826/full
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author Luca Cavaggioni
Damiano Formenti
Paolo Castiglioni
Paolo Castiglioni
Luca Paolo Ardigò
Giampiero Merati
Giampiero Merati
author_facet Luca Cavaggioni
Damiano Formenti
Paolo Castiglioni
Paolo Castiglioni
Luca Paolo Ardigò
Giampiero Merati
Giampiero Merati
author_sort Luca Cavaggioni
collection DOAJ
description Aging leads to changes in motor-cognitive performance. Despite the importance of physical activity for healthy aging and the need for health promotion interventions in individuals with intellectual disability (ID), there is a lack of empirically strategies for promoting health in adults with ID. Therefore, we are conducting a clinical trial (NCT06628999 on clinicaltrials.gov) to investigate a strategy for promoting healthy aging by targeting physical and cognitive domains in ID individuals. The present work aims to provide a detailed account of the study protocol of the proposed trial to promote transparency and dissemination of the ongoing research. Specifically, this project will study the effect of a vision training program on cognitive performance and physical fitness in adults with ID. A secondary aim is to examine the association between mental and physical performance outcomes. Participants will be randomly allocated into a vision training group (VT, n = 28), a vision training-detraining group (VTD, n = 28), and a control group (C, n = 28). During the first 8 weeks, the VT and VTD groups will follow the same training protocol (based on vision oculomotor exercises combined with postural control exercises). From weeks 9 to 16, the VT group will continue the training protocol, whereas the VTD group will abstain from training (detraining). Cognitive performance and physical fitness will be assessed at baseline, mid- and post-training intervention. Overall, a vision training program can positively impact various aspects of life for individuals with ID promoting autonomy, and social integration to counteract the aging process.
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spelling doaj-art-0a2318c5b51d4cff8b3735273546a0eb2025-08-20T02:24:35ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Psychology1664-10782025-04-011610.3389/fpsyg.2025.15268261526826Perceptual-vision training as a strategy for healthy aging in adults with intellectual disability: a study protocolLuca Cavaggioni0Damiano Formenti1Paolo Castiglioni2Paolo Castiglioni3Luca Paolo Ardigò4Giampiero Merati5Giampiero Merati6Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, ItalyDepartment of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, ItalyDepartment of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, ItalyIRCCS Fondazione don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, ItalyDepartment of Teacher Education, NLA University College, Oslo, NorwayDepartment of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, ItalyIRCCS Fondazione don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, ItalyAging leads to changes in motor-cognitive performance. Despite the importance of physical activity for healthy aging and the need for health promotion interventions in individuals with intellectual disability (ID), there is a lack of empirically strategies for promoting health in adults with ID. Therefore, we are conducting a clinical trial (NCT06628999 on clinicaltrials.gov) to investigate a strategy for promoting healthy aging by targeting physical and cognitive domains in ID individuals. The present work aims to provide a detailed account of the study protocol of the proposed trial to promote transparency and dissemination of the ongoing research. Specifically, this project will study the effect of a vision training program on cognitive performance and physical fitness in adults with ID. A secondary aim is to examine the association between mental and physical performance outcomes. Participants will be randomly allocated into a vision training group (VT, n = 28), a vision training-detraining group (VTD, n = 28), and a control group (C, n = 28). During the first 8 weeks, the VT and VTD groups will follow the same training protocol (based on vision oculomotor exercises combined with postural control exercises). From weeks 9 to 16, the VT group will continue the training protocol, whereas the VTD group will abstain from training (detraining). Cognitive performance and physical fitness will be assessed at baseline, mid- and post-training intervention. Overall, a vision training program can positively impact various aspects of life for individuals with ID promoting autonomy, and social integration to counteract the aging process.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1526826/fulldown syndromecognitive performanceintellectual impairmentvisual trainingphysical activity
spellingShingle Luca Cavaggioni
Damiano Formenti
Paolo Castiglioni
Paolo Castiglioni
Luca Paolo Ardigò
Giampiero Merati
Giampiero Merati
Perceptual-vision training as a strategy for healthy aging in adults with intellectual disability: a study protocol
Frontiers in Psychology
down syndrome
cognitive performance
intellectual impairment
visual training
physical activity
title Perceptual-vision training as a strategy for healthy aging in adults with intellectual disability: a study protocol
title_full Perceptual-vision training as a strategy for healthy aging in adults with intellectual disability: a study protocol
title_fullStr Perceptual-vision training as a strategy for healthy aging in adults with intellectual disability: a study protocol
title_full_unstemmed Perceptual-vision training as a strategy for healthy aging in adults with intellectual disability: a study protocol
title_short Perceptual-vision training as a strategy for healthy aging in adults with intellectual disability: a study protocol
title_sort perceptual vision training as a strategy for healthy aging in adults with intellectual disability a study protocol
topic down syndrome
cognitive performance
intellectual impairment
visual training
physical activity
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1526826/full
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