The Effects of Participating in a Cross-Country Ski/Exercise Program Upon the Development of Physical and Motor Fitness in Mentally Retarded Adults

Abstract

This study compared the development of elements of physical and motor fitness in MR adults who participated in an eight week cross-country ski/exercise program with MR adults who did not participate in such a program. The subjects were 36 MR men and women ranging in age from 18 to 36 years and in IQ from 31 to 82. The subjects were pre- and post- tested using a modified version of the AAHPER/Kennedy Foundation Special Fitness Test for Mildly Mentally Retarded Persons. The data were analyzed using a repeated measures ANOVA for each variable and graphic post hoc analyses were calculated when interactions were significant in any of the ANOVAs. Results of the univariate analyses showed participation in the cross-country ski/exercise program did not significantly improve physical and motor fitness. On five of the seven test items (9-minute run, arm-hanging, shuttle run, long jump, and sit and reach) significant trial by group interaction effects provided evidence that the cross-country ski/exercise program was superior to the control group program (no adapted physical education) in maintaining physical and motor fitness levels. Results of this study are in accord with previous research which has indicated that MR individuals who are given programs of physical education benefit from such programs, and demonstrate a better rate of improvement than MR individuals who do not participate in physical education programs.