Examination of the Effects of the Physical Activity, Exercise and Sports on the Anaerobic and Coordination Parameters of the Individuals with Mild Mental Disabilities

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of the study is to examine the effects of the physical activity, exercise and sports on the anaerobic and coordination parameters of the individuals with mild mental disabilities. Methotds: 31 men with mild mental disabilities participated in the study. The physical activity, exercise and sports program was administered to the participant group for 8 weeks. In the study, pre-test and post-test values of the 8-week program of physical activity, exercise and sports were compared. Qualitative evaluation of the data was conducted using SPSS 20.0 statistical package program. The changes in the anaerobic and coordination parameters were analyzed with the paired sample t test. The significance level was taken as p<0.05 for the comparisons. Results: It was observed that, at the end of 8-week program of physical activity and exercise, there was a statistically significant difference between the first and last measurements of the students participating in the study in terms of weight, resting pulse, and maximal pulse (p=0.012; 0.000; 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of BMI (p=0.697). It was observed that, at the end of 8-week program of physical activity and exercise, there was a statistically significant difference in their Hexagonal Obstacle, Pro-Agility, Illinois Agility, and Zig-Zag Tests (p=0.00). It was observed that, at the end of 8-week program of physical activity and exercise, there was a statistically significant difference in their Vertical Jump, Standing Long Jump, Margaria-Kalamen, and Step Tests (p=0.000). Conclusion: In conclusion, according to the pre-test and post-test results of the 8-week program of physical activity, exercise and sports in the individuals with mild mental disabilities; while there was no statistically significant difference in their BMI (Body Mass Index), there was statistically significant differences in their weight, resting pulse, maximum pulse, anaerobic, and coordination parameters.