Self-directed strength training: its effect on leg strength in men with mental retardation.
OBJECTIVE
To compare isokinetic measures of peak torque (newton-meters) and total work (joules) in men with mental retardation on a test of knee extension after 12 weeks of trainer-directed training and 1 year of self-directed training.


METHODS
Repeated measures of analysis of variance using a planned comparison approach involving an independent 2 x 3 (group x test) design.


METHODS
Subjects were tested at a university athletic training facility on three separate days.


METHODS
Volunteer sample of 12 subjects with mental retardation: 6 in strength training group, 6 in control group.


METHODS
Subjects performed an isokinetic knee extension test at a velocity of 60 degrees/sec on three separate days. Test 1 was the pretest, test 2 was conducted after 12 weeks of trainer-directed hydraulic resistance training, and test 3 was conducted after 1 year of self-directed hydraulic resistance training.


RESULTS
For both isokinetic parameters measured, the strength-trained subjects demonstrated significantly higher scores after 12 weeks of training and after 1 year of training than the scores achieved on the pretest. No significant differences in peak torque or total work scores were found between test 2 and test 3 scores for the strength-trained group. No significant changes in isokinetic scores between test sessions were found for the control subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
Men with mental retardation can maintain strength following a self-directed hydraulic resistance strength training program.
Suomi
R
R
University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point 54481, USA.
D000328:Adult; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007866:Leg / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology*