Effect of an Aerobic Fitness Programme Intervention on the Motor Proficiency of Children with Mild and Moderate Intellectual Disabilities in India

Abstract

Purpose: The study aimed to assess the effect of an Aerobic Fitness Programme intervention on children with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities in Jammu, India. Method: In a pre-test post-test control group design, 66 children with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities, who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria, were placed in control and experimental groups. A validated tool, the Test of Motor Proficiency, was used as a pre-test and post-test measure to assess the effect of the intervention. Results: The mean difference between the two groups of children with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities was significant. ANCOVA analysis indicated F (1,28) = 312.13, P =.00 in children with mild intellectual disabilities, and F (1,32) = 22.540, P =.00 in children with moderate intellectual disabilities. The intervention was effective in developing visual motor control, upper limb speed and dexterity, running speed and agility, balance, strength, and upper limb coordination. It was ineffective in improving bilateral coordination in both groups of children with intellectual disabilities. Conclusion: This intervention programme can be introduced into the daily curriculum of children with intellectual disabilities at special schools. It would be helpful in compensating for the lack of physical activity due to classroom-based teaching.