Effect of Therapeutic Exercise on the Gender Differences in Typical Physical Fitness Tests of Young Individuals with Intellectual Impairment

Authors

  • A.M. Georgiou Metropolitan College of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
  • M.C. Kotzamanidou Metropolitan College of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
  • V. Panoutsakopoulos Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
  • V. Misailidou Metropolitan College of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31926/but.shk.2023.16.65.2.19

Keywords:

disability, daily activities, exercise, Down Syndrome, Autism

Abstract

The study aimed to examine the effect of therapeutic exercise intervention (TEI) on the gender differences in typical physical fitness tests of young individuals with intellectual impairment (II). Thirty-nine young individuals with II (22 boys, 17 girls; 18.9 ± 3.2 yrs) were examined before and after the implementation of a 3-month TEI. The examined fitness tests were the sit and reach test (SRT), the standing long jump (SLJ), and the Romberg balance test with open (RBTO) and closed (RBTC) eyes. Results revealed a significant (p<.05) main effect of gender and intervention and their interaction for SLJ, but not (p>.05) for the other tests. In conclusion, longer TEI is required to provoke fitness adaptations in young persons with II.

Author Biographies

A.M. Georgiou, Metropolitan College of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

Faculty of Health Sciences

M.C. Kotzamanidou, Metropolitan College of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

Faculty of Health Sciences

V. Panoutsakopoulos, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

Biomechanics Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sport Science at Thessaloniki

V. Misailidou, Metropolitan College of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

Faculty of Health Sciences 

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Published

2023-12-20

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Section

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