Effects of an Alternative Sports Program Using Kin-Ball in Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

Félix Zurita-Ortega,José Joaquín Muros,José Luis Ubago-Jiménez,Pilar Puertas-Molero,Irwin Andrés Ramírez-Granizo,Gabriel González-Valero

doi:10.3390/ijerph17155296

Félix Zurita-Ortega, José Joaquín Muros + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17155296

Copy DOI

Abstract

The first aim of the present work was to examine the effects of a physical activity sports program, specifically Kin-Ball, within a group of individuals with intellectual disabilities, on decreasing sedentary behavior and improving basic physical skills. The second aim was to evaluate social validity and acceptability of the intervention. In this pre-experimental study, 47 individuals participated (46.8% male and 53.2% female) with an average age of 29.85 (SD = 10.41). All participants were administered an intervention program based on the alternative sport of Kin-Ball. BMI was calculated for body composition and age-related Z-scores were interpreted with the tables provided by the WHO. Endurance was measured through a modified six-minute test, speed was analyzed using a 50 m test, and strength was estimated according to a hand-grip dynamometer. Likewise, balance and coordination were examined in line with adaptations proposed by the scientific literature. Results indicated that all cases experienced statistically significant differences following the intervention program (p = 0.000). Improvement effects were detected in all post-intervention tests (endurance, strength, speed, balance, and coordination). As a main conclusion, it is indicated that an alternative sports-based program improves physical ability and motor skills in individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Highlights

Intellectual disabilities (IDs) are understood as those conditions characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviors
A series of characteristics can be highlighted which pertain to these disabilities and include: poor balance, poor motor skills and coordination problems, high obesity levels, and depleted attention and concentration capacities [7,8,9]
From the present study, show that there was a total of 47 participants (53.2% females (n = 25) and 46.8% males (n = 22)) with an average age of 29.85 years (SD = 10.411)

Summary

Introduction

Intellectual disabilities (IDs) are understood as those conditions characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviors. For a disorder to be considered as an ID, it must present itself before an individual reaches 18 years of age [2,3]. Such disabilities are reported by 3% of the world’s population according to data provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) [4]. A series of characteristics can be highlighted which pertain to these disabilities and include: poor balance (which can lead to falls in advanced age), poor motor skills and coordination problems, high obesity levels (such individuals are four times more likely to be overweight than populations without disabilities), and depleted attention and concentration capacities [7,8,9]

Objectives

Results

Discussion

Conclusion