The LEDs move pilot study: the Light Curtain and physical activity and well-being among people with visual and intellectual disabilities.
A simple LED curtain safely boosts movement and smiles for adults with visual and intellectual disabilities during everyday care routines.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Hamama et al. (2021) tested a wall of slow-moving LED lights called the Light Curtain. They wanted to see if it could spark movement and good feelings in adults who have both visual and intellectual disabilities.
The team used a multiple-baseline design across participants. They watched people during normal day program activities, then added the curtain and kept recording.
What they found
When the curtain was on, participants moved more and showed clear signs of excitement, such as smiling and reaching. These gains stayed above baseline levels across sessions.
A well-being checklist did not change, but staff saw happier, more active engagement while the lights were running.
How this fits with other research
Hoyle et al. (2022) also used LED lighting, but they swapped the curtain for ceiling panels that slowly changed color. They saw better mood and fewer behavior problems, yet sleep did not improve. Together, the two studies show that gentle LED light can lift mood and activity even when the goal or device differs.
Laposa et al. (2017) ran a full exercise program for older adults with ID. They found small fitness gains after months of staff-led workouts. The Light Curtain gives a simpler, low-effort option: just hang it and turn it on for an instant activity prompt.
van Herwaarden et al. (2025) boosted well-being with Active Support staff training. Their gains were broad and lasted nine months. The curtain study found no well-being change, so staff-led approaches may still be needed for deeper life-quality goals.
Why it matters
You can place a Light Curtain in a hallway, quiet room, or sensory corner today. It costs little staff time and can spark movement during long sedentary hours. Pair it with brief praise when clients approach or dance, and you have a quick, evidence-based activity break for adults with dual sensory and intellectual disabilities.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
BACKGROUND: Moving around and being physically active can often be challenging for people with a visual impairment. The combination of a visual and intellectual disability can make being physically active even more difficult. The aim of the current study was to examine whether a technological device for physical activity promotion would be associated with more movement and whether using it would be experienced as enjoyable for people with visual and intellectual disabilities. METHODS: A randomised multiple baseline design was used for this study. The participants were nine adults with a visual impairment and an IQ between 20 and 50. As participants interacted with the Light Curtain, movement was measured with triaxial accelerometers embedded in the Empatica E4 wristband. Independent observers scored activity, alertness and well-being from video-recordings using the following observation lists: the Happiness Feature Score (HFS) and the Arousal and Valence Scale (AVS). RESULTS: Physical activity measured with the accelerometer and positive excitement measured with the AVS significantly increased among participants when they were engaged with the Light Curtain compared with care-as-usual activities. Well-being measured with the HFS did not show a significant difference between the baseline and intervention phases. CONCLUSIONS: Engagement with the Light Curtain increased physical activity and positive excitement in persons with visual and intellectual disabilities, but more research is necessary to understand how the Light Curtain might affect happiness and well-being.
Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDR, 2021 · doi:10.1111/jir.12882