Intellectual Disability, Mild, Muscular Strength
Conditions
Keywords
Adapted Physical Education, Mild Intellectual Disability, Muscular Strength, Muscular Endurance, Adolescents, Exercise, Intervention, Randomized Controlled Trial
Brief summary
This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of a 10-week progressive adapted physical education program on muscular strength and muscular endurance in adolescents with mild intellectual disability. Physical inactivity and reduced physical fitness are common among adolescents with intellectual disabilities and may negatively affect functional independence, health, and quality of life. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group participated in a structured adapted physical education program in addition to their regular school activities, while the control group continued their usual curriculum without additional exercise intervention. The program was implemented progressively over 10 weeks and included activities designed to improve upper-body strength, lower-body strength, core endurance, and overall muscular fitness. Before and after the intervention period, participants completed physical fitness assessments evaluating muscular strength and endurance. The aim of this study was to determine whether a progressive adapted physical education program could improve physical fitness outcomes in adolescents with mild intellectual disability.
Detailed description
Adolescents with intellectual disability often demonstrate lower levels of physical fitness, muscular strength, and muscular endurance compared with their typically developing peers. These limitations may reduce participation in daily activities and negatively influence long-term health outcomes. Adapted physical education programs are considered important interventions for improving physical fitness and functional capacity in individuals with intellectual disabilities. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to examine the effects of a progressive adapted physical education program on muscular strength and muscular endurance in adolescents with mild intellectual disability. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group participated in a structured 10-week adapted physical education program in addition to regular school activities, whereas the control group continued their usual educational curriculum without additional exercise intervention. The exercise program was progressively organized and included activities targeting upper-body strength, lower-body strength, trunk endurance, and general muscular fitness. Physical fitness assessments were conducted before and after the intervention period to evaluate changes in muscular strength and endurance parameters. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to evidence-based adapted physical education practices for adolescents with intellectual disability and to support the development of effective school-based exercise interventions.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALProgressive Adapted Physical Education Program
A structured 10-week progressive adapted physical education program designed to improve muscular strength and muscular endurance in adolescents with mild intellectual disability. The intervention included exercises targeting upper-body strength, lower-body strength, trunk endurance, and general muscular fitness in addition to regular school activities.
Sponsors
Inonu University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Masking description
Due to the nature of the exercise intervention, blinding of participants and investigators was not feasible.
Intervention model description
Participants were randomly assigned to either a progressive adapted physical education intervention group or a usual curriculum control group for 10 weeks.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
12 Years to 18 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Adolescents diagnosed with mild intellectual disability * Participants enrolled in special education programs * Ability to participate in physical activity assessments and exercise sessions * Written informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians
Exclusion criteria
* Presence of orthopedic, neurological, or cardiovascular conditions preventing participation in exercise * Severe behavioral problems limiting participation in assessments or training sessions * Participation in another structured exercise program during the study period * Failure to complete baseline or post-intervention assessments
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Upper-Body Muscular Strength | Baseline and 10 weeks | Upper-body muscular strength will be assessed using the modified push-up test. The total number of correctly completed repetitions will be recorded as the outcome measure. |
| Lower-Body Muscular Strength | Baseline and 10 weeks | Lower-body muscular strength will be assessed using the standing long jump test. Jump distance will be measured in centimeters. |
| Muscular Endurance | Baseline and 10 weeks | Muscular endurance will be assessed using the sit-up test. The total number of correctly completed repetitions within 30 seconds will be recorded. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed