Dr Yetunde Dairo Launches Exercise Program for Nigerians with Intellectual Disabilities

Dr. Yetunde Dairo, Associate Professor of Physiotherapy and Research Lead for the School of Health and Social Care Professions at Buckinghamshire New University, UK, has begun a groundbreaking project to introduce a specially designed exercise program for school-aged children and adults with intellectual disabilities in Nigeria.

The project aims to boost physical activity, improve balance and mobility, and increase social interaction for individuals who often face barriers to exercise and inclusion. The program will be co-created with key stakeholders, including individuals with intellectual disabilities, their families, and local healthcare workers.

In Nigeria, people with intellectual disabilities face limited opportunities for physical activity, increasing their risk of health problems like obesity and heart disease. This project seeks to address this challenge by providing an affordable and accessible solution.

Exercise programs have been shown to improve fitness, motor skills, and social engagement for people with disabilities worldwide. By tailoring a program to the Nigerian context, this initiative hopes to offer a fun, engaging, and adaptable way for individuals with intellectual disabilities to stay active and connected to their communities.

The program will involve co-creation with stakeholders, testing and feedback, and training for local healthcare workers to ensure its sustainability. This project aligns with Nigeria’s Disability Rights Act and supports global efforts to reduce inequalities and improve health worldwide.

With community support and active involvement from local researchers, the team hopes to create a program that becomes a blueprint for similar initiatives in other low- and middle-income countries.

The team is also working to secure funding to support and expand the project.