The Level of Somatic Development and Physical Fitness of Adolescents with Intellectual Disability Cover Image

Poziom rozwoju somatycznego i sprawność fizyczna młodzieży z niepełnosprawnością intelektualną
The Level of Somatic Development and Physical Fitness of Adolescents with Intellectual Disability

Author(s): Danuta Łasak, Paweł Żychowicz
Subject(s): Experimental Pschology, Health and medicine and law
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego
Keywords: intellectual disability; physical fitness; youth;

Summary/Abstract: Aim. The purpose of this study was to present the level of somatic development and physical fitness of a group of adolescents with mild and moderate intellectual disability which has been examined. The outcomes of the research were compared to the outcomes of people without intellectual disability. Methods. 67 pupils with intellectual disability at the age between 11–16 in this research took part. 37 pupils were of a mild intellectual disability and 30 of a moderate intellectual disability. During the study an anthropometric measurements were taken and the level of motor skills were evaluated with 3 physical fitness tests (Standing Broad Jump, Sit- Ups in 30 seconds, Sit- and- Reach). Results. The results were confirmed the assumptions. The analysis of the results showed, that study participants characterized by low level of motor skills. It shown that the level of motor skills were different between disable and not disable adolescents. The results showed the retardment in somatic development of the people with intellectual disability comparing to the condition of healthy youth. The disability brings about lower heights level and higher level of BMI. Conclusion. The results pointed to the need to design as well as training programs to enhance the level of motor abilities of people with intellectual disabilities and conduct long- term research.

  • Issue Year: 13/2015
  • Issue No: 3
  • Page Range: 263 - 274
  • Page Count: 12
  • Language: Polish