A scalable school-based physical activity intervention for adolescents with disability: The Burn 2 Learn adapted (B2La) pilot feasibility trial

The Burn 2 Learn adapted intervention involved the following intervention components 1) Professional development workshop: 1 half day workshop (approx. 4 hours) was conducted for two special education teachers identified and recruited to deliver the Burn 2 Learn adapted intervention. The workshop involved a combination of didactic delivery, interactive discussion, short videos, and practical demonstrations/activities (e.g., designing and completing a B2L adapted HIIT session). The workshop provided a rationale for the intervention with a specific focus on the impact of vigorous physical activity for students’ health, as well as the roles and responsibilities of teachers. During the workshop, adaptations to a previous version of the Burn 2 Learn intervention were discussed (and subsequently implemented) to suit the needs and ability of students with disability. 2) School-based physical activity sessions: Following the workshop, teachers were responsible for delivering 2-3 weekly high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions to students in the special education unit at their school, for a period of 2 months. Session adherence was monitored via objective data gathered through the purpose-built smartphone app. HIIT sessions were conducted during class-time, led by classroom teachers, and assisted by learning and support teachers. HIIT sessions were typically 8 minutes in length and consisted of body-weight (e.g., push-up) and aerobic (e.g., 10 m shuttle run) exercises. Students were encouraged to work at an intensity equivalent to =85% of their age-predicted maximum heart rate. Heart rate data were displayed on an iPad during HIIT sessions. Several adaptations to HIIT sessions (which were discussed in the professional development workshop) were implemented throughout the intervention period. Firstly, a high instructor-to-participant ratio (approx. 1 teacher to 4 students) was considered necessary to engage students in physical activity sessions. Secondly, rather than completing one block of HIIT for 8 minutes, teachers would facilitate 2x 4 minute HIIT blocks, with a small rest in between. Finally, teachers would simplify the exercises performed during HIIT to suit the fitness and ability level of students. 3) Program resources: To increase engagement in the intervention, students were equipped with Bluetooth heart rate monitors during school-based physical activity sessions, which were paired with a bespoke iPad application (Burn 2 Learn) to display live heart rate data. Teachers were also provided with a suite of pre-designed HIIT task and technique cards to aid intervention delivery.