Perceptual-vision Training and Intellectual Disabilities

Physical activity for healthy ageing is an important feature and the possibility to detect practical solutions to solve the need for feasible health promotion interventions to reduce health disparities and wellbeing in individuals with intellectual disability (ID) is an open question. In this perspective, vision has a remarkable role in spatial cognition and organization, especially in individuals with ID. Therefore, the aim is to investigate the effectiveness of a perceptual-vision training program on cognitive performance (inhibitory control) and physical fitness (balance, agility and muscular strength) in adults with ID throughout 16 weeks. Participants with mild ID will be randomly divided into a perceptual-vision training group, a perceptual-vision training-detraining group and a control group. Cognitive performance and physical fitness will be assessed at baseline, mid and at the end of 16 weeks. In conclusion, a visual training program may present the potentiality to impact various health domains, from cognition to physical performance in individuals with intellectual disabilities, promoting their healthy aging.