Effects of Core Exercise On Postures and Physical Fitness in Students with Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

This study was to analyze and compare the postures(Cobb`s angle)and physical fitness(cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, muscle strength, power, body composition)in the intellectual disabilities students after 12 weeks core exercise program. Method: The subjects were divided core exercise training group(n=9) and control group with no exercise(n=5). The exercise group was to utilize core exercise program with the period and frequency of 1 hour, 5 day a week for 12 weeks. We investigated the cobb`s angle measured for the postural with the Whole Spine View through the X-maru Viewer VⅠfor chiropractic applied computer program in the neurosurgery hospital, and the physical fitness levels were determined by PAPS-D. All variables were measured before and after the core exercise program. Data collected were analyzed using the SPSS 21.0 version for statistics. More Specifically, statistics and a series of Paired t-test were implemented to test the research hypotheses. Result: Results indicated that statistically significant differences existed in cardiovascular endurance, power, and the amount of musculoskeletal elements. Even though no significant differences were found, a positive change was found in Cobb`s angle. Conclusion: In conclusion, a core exercise program maybe an effective intervention for posture correction physical fitness and physical strength in youth with intellectual disabilities.