Project HIIT: determining the feasibility of a school-based intervention to promote increased physical activity for adolescents with intellectual disabilities
Staying active is essential for health and wellbeing, but young people with learning disabilities often face barriers to getting enough exercise. Project HIIT is testing a new physical activity programme in special educational needs schools. Researchers from Queen’s University Belfast want to find out if running short, structured exercise sessions during the school week is practical and helpful for students aged 13 to 19. Pupils at participating schools will take part in three fun activity sessions each week for 12 weeks, guided by their familiar teachers. Researchers will measure activity levels and collect feedback before the programme starts, at the end of the 12 weeks, and three months later. The aim is to see whether this school-friendly approach works well for pupils and staff before running a larger UK-wide study. Taking part is completely voluntary and designed to be safe and supportive.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Regular physical activity is vital for keeping our bodies healthy and our minds happy. Moving more builds strength, improves mood, and helps protect against health problems such as obesity. However, many teenagers with learning disabilities (also known as intellectual disabilities) find it hard to get enough exercise. They may lack confidence, need extra support, or have fewer chances to join sports clubs outside of school.
Schools play an essential role in helping young people stay healthy. To make being active easier and more enjoyable, researchers worked closely with teachers and pupils to design Project HIIT. This programme introduces fun, structured movement sessions that fit neatly into the school week without replacing regular lessons or physical education.
Because this is a 'feasibility' study, researchers want to see if the project works smoothly in real classrooms. They will check whether teachers can easily lead the sessions, if pupils enjoy taking part, and whether the research tests are simple to complete. What researchers learn from this study will help shape future school programmes across the UK.
Key takeaways
- Project HIIT tests a 12-week exercise programme for teenagers with learning disabilities.
- Sessions take place at school during the normal school day and are led by school staff.
- The study is for young people aged 13 to 19 who can follow simple verbal instructions.
- There are no hospital visits, and taking part is completely free.
- Students can pause or leave the study at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is designed for teenagers aged 13 to 19 who have a mild, moderate, or severe learning disability and attend a school taking part in the project. Students need to be able to understand basic information about the sessions and follow simple spoken instructions in English.
The study is not suitable for teenagers with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) or those who have very limited communication skills. It is also not suitable for pupils who have medical conditions that make exercise unsafe, unless their GP provides written clearance confirming it is safe for them to join in.
Both the young person and their parent or carer must agree to take part before starting.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- The teenager is aged between 13 and 19 years.
- They have a mild, moderate, or severe learning disability.
- They attend a special educational needs school taking part in the project.
- They can communicate and follow simple spoken instructions in English.
- They do not have a health condition that makes regular exercise unsafe (or have GP approval).
What does participation involve?
Taking part happens entirely during the normal school day, so there are no extra hospital or clinic visits. Pupils at taking-part schools will do three physical activity sessions each week for 12 weeks. These sessions are led by familiar school staff in familiar surroundings. No medication or medical treatments are involved.
Researchers will collect basic information about fitness and wellbeing at three points: before the sessions start, at the end of the 12 weeks, and three months later to see if any benefits lasted. In total, taking part lasts about six months from start to finish.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Queen's University of BelfastApproximateBelfast, Northern Ireland
Common questions
Will this replace my child's normal PE classes?
No. Project HIIT is designed to add extra fun movement into the school week and will not replace regular PE lessons.
Does my child need special sports kit or equipment?
No special equipment is needed. Pupils can take part using their usual school PE kit.
What happens if my child has a health condition?
If your child has an existing health condition, their GP may need to provide written confirmation that it is safe for them to join in.
Does it cost anything to take part?
No. Taking part is completely free for both families and schools.
Can my child stop taking part if they change their mind?
Yes. Participation is voluntary. You or your child can choose to step down at any point without any impact on their schooling.
How to find out more
Gary McDermott
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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