Functional replies, of down syndrome and individuals with mental retardation, after the application of a fitness program

Abstract

The following paper discusses the results a preliminary study regarding the functional effect of an applied program of physical activity to individuals with mental retardation and Down syndrome. This study attempts to establish the level of improvement in physical capacities associated with the health and quality of life and their relationship with variables of corporal composition within this research group. The participants were young individuals of both sexes between 12 and 18 years old, students of the special education school of San Clemente city. The intervention extended for 16 weeks, with a frequency of 3 days per week, in the physical location of the school. The program utilized the following phases: evaluation and preparation, adaptation, general development of fitness, and evaluation of the physical capacities following the intervention. This study concludes that, although there were functional modifications, these were not significant, and the most success was gained through physical activity of prolonged low intensity.