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Advancing Cardiovascular Health Among Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities: Co-Development of Technology Interventions to Enhance Physical Activity

Award Number: K01NR022135
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NURSING RESEARCH
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 02/25/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 01/31/2029

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Advancing Cardiovascular Health Among Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities: Co-Development of Technology Interventions to Enhance Physical Activity - Adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID) face significant health issues, particularly in managing chronic conditions such as cardiovascular (CV) health risks. These issues are exacerbated by limited physical activity (PA), health literacy challenges, and a lack of evidence-based health interventions. This project aims to address these gaps by engaging adolescents with ID and their stakeholders supporting ID as co-researchers to design, adapt, and pilot-test a virtual reality (VR)-based PA intervention tailored to their needs. The long-term goal is to dismantle factors to improve health outcomes for adolescents with ID through innovative, collaborative research that enhances health literacy, increases PA, and lowers CV health risks. With this goal in mind, the proposed K Mentored Research Scientist Development Award will direct Dr. Patricia West toward an established innovative independent research program. Guidance for her transition to independence will be provided in a strong institutional research environment at Michigan State University with dedicated interprofessional expert scientists and collaborative resources both internal and external to the University. The objectives of this application will address three specific aims: 1) adapt and validate research instruments by collaborating with adolescents with ID and their ID stakeholders to incorporate common language in measures for assessing health outcomes; 2) evaluate and select VR-based PA programs by engaging co-researchers in identifying effective VR exergame interventions for improving health outcomes through PA; and 3) pilot-test the VR PA intervention, which incorporates peer support. We will assess feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of our 16-week VR exergame PA intervention using co-adapted measures and biologic CV risk measures. A quasi-experimental mixed-methods approach will be used, guided by our Logic Model. Preliminary evidence highlights the potential of interactive, technology-driven PA to address CV risks while fostering peer engagement and optimal self-efficacy to manage health. The expected outcomes are: 1) validated measures through greater health literacy, and 2) a co-designed intervention to reduce CV risks that helps adolescents with ID to take an active role in their health. By addressing critical gaps in health literacy, self-efficacy, and PA, this work advances healthcare practices and supports long-term improvements in public health.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $169,189 )
2026	2026	MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY	426 AUDITORIUM RD	EAST LANSING	MI	48824	INGHAM	USA	Nursing Research	001	1	3/18/2026	NEW	$0
2026	2026	MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY	426 AUDITORIUM RD	EAST LANSING	MI	48824	INGHAM	USA	Nursing Research	000	1	2/25/2026	NEW	$169,189
														Subtotal = $169,189

Grand Total All Awards = $169,189

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Advancing Cardiovascular Health Among Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities: Co-Development of Technology Interventions to Enhance Physical Activity

Award Number: K01NR022135

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NURSING RESEARCH

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 02/25/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 01/31/2029

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