The effect of physical fitness training on reaction time in youth with intellectual disabilities.
The purpose of this study was to assess whether reaction time in persons with intellectual disabilities can be improved with an exercise program. 50 children and adolescents (M age = 14.7 yr., SD = 1.4, range = 11-18) with mild intellectual disability without Downs syndrome were randomly divided into control (20 boys, 5 girls) and experimental (19 boys, 6 girls) groups. The experimental group participated in a structured physical fitness program for 12 weeks. Reaction time was assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Significant improvements in reaction time were observed in the exercise group but not for the control group. Results indicated that reaction time can be improved with an exercise program in youth with intellectual disability.
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation School, Abant Izzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey. necmiyeu@yahoo.com
Necmiye Un
NU
Yildirim
Fatih
F
Erbahçeci
Nevin
N
Ergun
Kenneth H
KH
Pitetti
Michael W
MW
Beets
D000293:Adolescent; D001288:Attention; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000523:psychology*; D011930:Reaction Time; D012016:Reference Values