Journal Information
Vol. 49. Issue 182.
Pages 45-52 (April - June 2014)
Vol. 49. Issue 182.
Pages 45-52 (April - June 2014)
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Application of a therapeutic exercise program in adults with intellectual disability
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Javier Ayaso-Maneiroa, Javier Ayaso-Maneirob, Diego Matías Domínguez-Pradoc, Diego Matías Domínguez-Pradob, José Luis García-Soidánc
a Área de Fisioterapia, Departamento de Biología Funcional y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Vigo, Pontevedra, España
b Centro de Fisioterapia y Readaptación Funcional Ayaso e Domínguez, Santiago de Compostela, España
c Departamento de Didácticas Especiales, Universidad de Vigo, Pontevedra, España
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Abstract
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Objective

To determine the effect of a therapeutic exercise program on functional physical capacity in persons with intellectual disabilities.

Material and methods

A quasi-experimental study was conducted with a final sample of 24 adults with intellectual disabilities, aged between 24 and 60 years old, which was randomized into an experimental group (11 men and 6 women) and a control group (6 men and 1 woman). Functional fitness was assessed before a therapeutic exercise program, 10 weeks immediately after the program, and 6 months after the end of it.

Results

On comparing the results obtained in the pre-intervention and post-intervention period from the two groups, it was observed that the group that the therapeutic exercises had better scores (P < .01) than the control group on the variables: aerobic endurance, leg strength, arm strength, agility, and coordination. On comparing the results obtained inthe pre-intervention period with those at 6 months after completion of the program, the group that performed exercise therapy continued to show better scores (P < .05) in leg strength, arm strength and aerobic endurance, compared to the control group.

Conclusions

The application of a ten-week therapeutic exercise program, improved scores on the variables of functional fitness, measured by the Senior Fitness Test, in adults with intellectual disabilities. The effect of the intervention program has a duration of less than 6 months, a period after which the scores returned to baseline.

Keywords:
Intellectual disability
Exercise therapy
Physical fitness
Apunts Sports Medicine
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