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Physical Activity in Adolescent with Mental Retardation: Is Adapted Basketball Training Adequate Stimulus to Improve Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Sport Skills Performance?

Physical Activity in Adolescent with Mental Retardation: Is Adapted Basketball Training Adequate... ACTA FACULTATIS MEDICAE NAISSENSIS DOI: 10.1515/afmnai-2017-0018 UDC: 796.035:616.899-053.6 616.1:796-323.2 Miodrag Koci1, Ivana Boji1, Marko Aleksandrovi1, Aleksandar Ignjatovi2, Dragan Radovanovi1 University of Nis, Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, Nis, Serbia University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Education in Jagodina, Kragujevac, Serbia SUMMARY The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of an adapted basketball training program on the cardiorespiratory fitness and sport skills performance of adolescents with mental retardation (MR). Fifty adolescents with mild MR who participated in this study were divided in two groups. Experimental group (n = 25; mean ± SD age: 15.7 ± 0.9 years) performed the adapted training program, four times per week during eight weeks. A control group (n = 25; mean ± SD age: 15.9 ± 0.8 years) followed ordinary physical education classes and continued with their normal lifestyle. Exercise testing included the six-minute walk test (6MWT), monitoring of heart rate frequency and sport skills performance test battery. Results showed a significant difference between groups pre- and post-treatment in 6MWT distance. The experimental group experienced a 10% increase in covered distance pre- to post-testing (p < 0.05), whereas controls had no significant changes in the same period. Conducted adapted training also resulted in significant improvement in examined sport skills performance. However, this kind and duration of experimental procedure did not result in significant differences in anthropometric variables and heart rate frequency. This study demonstrated that adapted basketball training is an adequate stimulus for improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness and sport skills performance of adolescents with mild MR. The advantage of this type of adaptive training program is that it does not require a large financial input, but only the engagement of a qualified and dedicated physical education professor. Key words: adapted basketball training, mild mental retardation, cardiorespiratory fitness Corresponding author: Miodrag Koci Email: miodrag.kocic73@gmail.com Acta facultatis medicae Naissensis 2017;34(2):159-168 INTRODUCTION Regular physical activity during adolescence, especially in the case of people with intellectual disability, is of essential importance for the improvement of health, proper growth and development (1-4). The actual guidelines recommend at least 60 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity for adolescents several days a week (5, 6). Further, persons with mental retardation (MR) have similar response to exercises compared to peers without disabilities, although there is an increased need for movement (7). However, previous studies have indicated that individuals with intellectual disability score have lower results in standardized tests for physical fitness in all phases of their life, compared to the normal population of the same gender and age (3, 4, 8). An appropriate level of physical fitness is considered important to the health of people with intellectual disability, and regular physical activity throughout life is recommended for non-communicable disease prevention. Moreover, regular physical activity of people with intellectual disability contributes to their mental and physical progress, increases emotional stability and the motivation to live (9, 10). It can be assumed that a lower level of physical fitness among individuals with mild MR is the consequence of a sedentary lifestyle and the lack of possibility to participate in any form of adapted physical activity, especially in states with low-income or lower-middle economies. Previous investigations indicate that physical activity can improve the quality of life of individuals with MR, and therefore it is recommended to include this population in various programs of adaptive physical activities (9-13). Cardiorespiratory (aerobic) and muscle endurance, as well as muscle strength and balance, can be reduced to such a great extent among individuals with MR that they impede the daily functioning (14, 15). These factors can have an additional negative effect on the level of obesity, balance and risk of a fall (16, 17). Previous studies confirmed the effects of physical training on physical fitness and well-being in people with mild intellectual disabilities (14). Ozmen at al. (18) have showed positive effect of school-based cardiovascular training on shuttle run performance in children with MR. All previously mentioned reports clearly indicate that physical activity can improve the physical fitness, work capacities and quality of life of individuals with mild MR. Additionally, the results of our previous pilot study (19, 20) have enabled the design of a full-scale experiment on this topic. To the best of the authors' knowledge, there has been no study which 160 investigated the effects of an adapted basketball training program on adolescents with mental retardation. Furthermore, no study so far has determined the effect of integrated training participation on cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition and motor skills. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an adapted basketball training program on the cardiorespiratory fitness and sport skills performance of adolescents with MR. We chose this sport activity because of the nature of the basketball environment and the popularity of this sport in our country, believing that this will be an additional motivation for participants, increasing their compliance and facilitating the implementation of the planned program. It was assumed that the implemented adapted basketball training program would result in improved cardiorespiratory fitness and sport skills performance in adolescents with mild MR. MATERIAL AND METHODS Participants Fifty adolescents with mild mental retardation (27 males and 23 females) participated in the study. All of them were classified as having mild mental retardation, lived at home and none of them was institutionalized. They were divided into two groups: experimental (EG, n = 25, age 15.7 ± 0.9 years) and control (CG, n = 25, age 15.9 ± 0.8 years). All participants were included into regular school activities with physical education classes, while participants from experimental group performed a specially adapted basketball training program in duration of eight weeks. The adapted basketball training program and regular physical education classes were not held on the same day. All of the participants underwent a physical examination performed by a specialist in sports medicine for athletic eligibility. None of the participants showed any evidence of recent injury in their anamnesis or clinical report. Ethical clearance The Human Investigation Committee of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education of University of Nis approved the study (No. 04-6/2012), and after that decision the Institutional Board of Special Schools for Elementary and Secondary Education, "14. oktobar" in Nis also approved the study. A written informed consent was obtained from all the participants and from their parents or their legal guardians (if indicated) after a detailed description of the procedures was provi- Acta facultatis medicae Naissensis 2017;34(2):159-168 ded. The procedures presented were in accordance with the ethical standards in human research. Procedures Based on the experience in the previous pilot study (20), a specially adapted basketball training program was conducted four times per week, during eight consecutive weeks. Each training session lasted between 25-35 minutes. The first 5 minutes were spent in dynamic warm-up to set the tone for the training session, and the last 5 minutes were spent in some stretching exercise to help relax the body. Within the eight-week training activities, the subjects had 32 training sessions overall. The duration of the training sessions during the first four weeks ranged from 25 to 30 min and 30 to 35 min after the fourth week. The overall time of the training activities during the first four weeks ranged from 130 to 150 min and up to 175 min in the other four weeks of training. Before performing the specific-motor skills test battery, the participants had a variable number of familiarization sessions, depending on how fast they became accustom med to field tests. They were helpful in teaching participants the correct exercise execution model. Measures Anthropometric measurements included body height, body weight, and percentage of fatty tissue. Body height was measured by means of an anthropometer (GPM, Switzerland), employing a standardized procedure (21). The measurement results were accurate within 0.1 cm. Body weight was measured by means of electronic scales (Tefal, France), with accuracy within 0.1 kg. Body composition measurement was performed using a device for bioelectrical impedance analysis BF 300 (Omron, Japan). The measurement was performed abiding by the manufacturer's instructions. Data regarding the percentage of fatty tissue were read off the display with a 0.1% accuracy. Resting heart rate, heart rate during and at the end of a six-minute walk test (6 MWT) were determined continuously using automated telemetric monitoring system (Polar, Finland). For the evaluation of general and integrated responses of all the organ systems involved in physical activity, the 6MWT was used (22). The tests does not offer any concrete information regarding the function of each of the various organs and systems which take part in physical activity, as it is possible with standardized laboratory load tests using suitable equipment for cardio-pulmonary studies. Nevertheless, since most of the daily activities take place up to the level of submaximal intensity, the 6MWT offers a satisfactory insight into the functional state of the bodies of the participants, which is necessary for daily physical activities (22, 23), and which has been used in previous research involving individuals with special needs, including those suffering from mental retardation (24). The six-minute walk test, conducted at the participant's own pace on a flat surface 30 m in length, in a gym, was carried out according to a standardized protocol while adhering to the existing recommendations (22, 23). The participants were assigned the task of crossing as great a distance as possible in a period of 6 min, walking at a tempo which suited them, but without running. The participants received instructions and were continuously motivated during the test. In addition, the participants were allowed to stop at any point during the test, but were encouraged to continue once again in the shortest time possible. The covered distance following the period of 6 min was measured to the closest meter. With the aim of a more simplified measurement of the covered distance, at intervals of 1 m along the edge of the surface on which the test was being carried out, alternating markers of a fluorescent green and orange color were placed. The subjects of this study performed the first ability level of modified basketball tests designed for players with mental retardation, as described in previous studies (25, 26), characterized by the analysis of four fundamental areas related to the technical and basic aspects of this game: ball handling, reception, passing, and shooting. Each area was divided into five specific components, in which the athletes obtained an individual score: 1 point for a correct performance; 0.5 points for an incorrect performance; and 0 points for a completely failed attempt. Subject could reach a maximum of 20 points, and were always evaluated by the same team of investigators. Statistical analyses All data are presented as mean ± SD, and all statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS version 16.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) software. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test showed that none of the variables deviated from the normal distribution (p > 0.05). Changes in physical fit-ness and specific-motor skills were analyzed separately using 2 x 2 (group x time) repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. 161 Acta facultatis medicae Naissensis 2017;34(2):159-168 Table 1. Participants' anthropometric variables during an 8-week experimental period (Mean ± SD) Experimental group (n = 25) Initial Final 156.7 ± 15.1 157.1 ± 14.8 56.4 ±16.4 56.8 ± 16.1 20.9 ± 7.7 20.1 ± 8.1 Control group (n = 25) Initial Final 158.1 ± 14.8 158.8 ± 15.7 57.2 ± 13.5 58.5 ± 15.9 21.2 ± 8.9 21.7 ± 9.3 Variables Body height (cm) Body weight (kg) Body fat mass (%) Table 2. Pre- and post- treatment means (SD) of resting heart rate (HR_REST) and heart rate at the end of a six-minute walk test (HR_6MWT) for both groups Experimental group (n = 25) Initial Final 83.56 ± 7.74 82.08 ± 6.59 121.76 ± 19.44 115.44 ± 10.73 Control group (n = 25) Initial Final 82.72 ± 6.22 83.32 ± 6.07 119.88 ± 15.69 117.52 ± 13.39 Variables HR_REST HR_6MWT RESULTS Conducted for a period of eight weeks, the specially adapted basketball training program did not result in any statistically significant changes in body weight and body fat percentage of the experimental group participants (Table 1). There were no statistically significant changes in the control group either. The repeated measures ANOVA revealed no statistically significant difference between groups preto post-treatment in resting heart rate (F[1.48] = 0.19. p = 0.66) and heart rate at the end of six-minute walk test (F[1.48] = 1.99. p = 0.16). The repeated measures ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference between groups preto post-treatment (F[1.48] = 6.49. p < 0.05) in 6MWT distance. The experimental group experienced a 10% increase in covered distance pre- to post-testing (p < 0.05), whereas controls had no statistically significant changes in the same period (Figure 1). DISCUSSION The main purpose of conducted study was to evaluate the effects of an eight-week adapted basket ball training program on the cardiorespiratory fitness of adolescents with mild mental retardation. The findings of the conducted study clearly show that eight weeks of a adapted basketball training program resulted in a improvement of the ability to cover a longer dista162 nce during the 6 MWT. On the basis of the significant differences found, we can with certain reliability consider that the structure and length of the adapted basketball training program induced an improvement in the level of cardiorespiratory endurance among the participants with MR. Also, these results indicate that the applied training program involves all limbs through different movement and action. Previous investigation reported that individuals with intellectual disability usually have 8-12% lower cardiorespiratory capacity (27), and approximately 15 beats/min lower values of maximal heart rate frequency (28), in comparison to the values of the normal population of the same gender and age. Based on our results, it means that even short term training program could increase cardiorespiratory fitness level in adolescent with MR to the level of their peers without disabilities. On the other hand, intensity of conducted program and/or its duration of eight weeks were not sufficient to induce significant changes in anthropometrical variables and frequency of heart rate (Tables 1 and 2). Nevertheless, the obtained results have shown whether in the case of these variables a difference occurred, and so we can assume that the increase in work intensity or duration of the program could lead to significant changes of body composition with a decrease in body fat. Previous weight survey on adult persons with mental retardation reported inversely proportional relation between intelligence and the percentage of body fat (29). Moreover, approximately 20% of adults with intellectual disability were classified as obese, and insufficient physical activity accompanying with seden- Acta facultatis medicae Naissensis 2017;34(2):159-168 tary lifestyle is considered to be the main reason (30).The second purpose of this study was to assesses the effects of adapted basketball training program on the sport skills performance of adolescents with mild Figure 1. The covered distance (CD) in the experimental (EXP) and control group (CON) pre- and post-training. All of the values are expressed as mean ± SD. * Significant difference between pre and post measurement p < 0.05. # Significant difference between groups (p < 0.05). Table 3. Basketball skill parameters before and after an 8-week training intervention (Mean ± SD) Experimental group (n = 25) Initial Final Change % 3.71± 0.67 4.11±0.39 11% 4.23 ±0.51 4.36 ± 0.38 3% 3.99 ±0.44 4.28±0.28 8% 3.15±0.66 3.70±0.45 17% Control group (n = 25) Initial Final Change % 3.82 ± 0.62 3.86 ±0.52 1% 4.15 ± 0.42 4.20 ± 0.36 1% 4.05 ±0.43 4.11 ±0.32 1% 3.23 ± 0.63 3.40 ± 0.64 5% Variables Ball Handling Reception Passing Shooting MR. Eight weeks of this specially adapted training program resulted in significant improvement in sport skills performance. We can only hypothesized that some complex interactions, including changes in intercellular signalization, during the conduction of eight-weeks training influence neurological plasticity and contribute to motor learning. In addition, previous investigations suggested that physical activity during training can lead to an increase in the capillary network due to increased oxygen uptake (26, 31). Nevertheless, results of our study clearly indicate that the applied adapted basketball program succeeded in motivating the subjects to take an active part in the training. From our point of view, it is very important to create different programs of physical activities, through adapted physical education classes and inclusive activities, in order to provide opportunities for an active lifestyle for adolescents with MR. A limitation of the conducted study could be that all participants were classified as having mild mental retardation, and they also had had previous experience with the regular physical education classes. This line of researches could be extended to other subpopulations of these individuals and also for other types of intervention (e.g. football, handball volleyball, etc.). CONCLUSION Adapted physical activity represents a good foundation for the development of physical and cognitive abilities, as well as for the improvement of the quality of life of persons with mental retardation. However, there are a lot of objective problems such as a lack of suitable objects, fields, and the high cost of the organization of such forms of physical activity. This study demonstrated that adapted basketball trai163 Acta facultatis medicae Naissensis 2017;34(2):159-168 ning is an adequate stimulus for improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness and sport skills performance of adolescents with mild MR. The duration of adaptive Figure 2. The specific-motor skills test battery for the experimental (EXP) and control group (CON) pre- and post-training in (a) Ball handling ­ BH. (b) Reception ­R. (c) Passing ­ P and (d) Shooting ­ S. All values are expressed as mean ± SD. ** Significant difference between pre- and post-measurement p < 0.01. # Significant difference between groups (p < 0.01). training program and individual training session fromthis study can be a form of planning activities for adolescents with MR, and tests used can be taken as a measure to evaluate the achieved results. The advantage of this type of adaptive physical activity is that it does not require a large financial input, but only the engagement of a qualified and dedicated physical education professor. Acta facultatis medicae Naissensis 2017;34(2):159-168 http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Acta Facultatis Medicae Naissensis de Gruyter

Physical Activity in Adolescent with Mental Retardation: Is Adapted Basketball Training Adequate Stimulus to Improve Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Sport Skills Performance?

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de Gruyter
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Abstract

ACTA FACULTATIS MEDICAE NAISSENSIS DOI: 10.1515/afmnai-2017-0018 UDC: 796.035:616.899-053.6 616.1:796-323.2 Miodrag Koci1, Ivana Boji1, Marko Aleksandrovi1, Aleksandar Ignjatovi2, Dragan Radovanovi1 University of Nis, Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, Nis, Serbia University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Education in Jagodina, Kragujevac, Serbia SUMMARY The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of an adapted basketball training program on the cardiorespiratory fitness and sport skills performance of adolescents with mental retardation (MR). Fifty adolescents with mild MR who participated in this study were divided in two groups. Experimental group (n = 25; mean ± SD age: 15.7 ± 0.9 years) performed the adapted training program, four times per week during eight weeks. A control group (n = 25; mean ± SD age: 15.9 ± 0.8 years) followed ordinary physical education classes and continued with their normal lifestyle. Exercise testing included the six-minute walk test (6MWT), monitoring of heart rate frequency and sport skills performance test battery. Results showed a significant difference between groups pre- and post-treatment in 6MWT distance. The experimental group experienced a 10% increase in covered distance pre- to post-testing (p < 0.05), whereas controls had no significant changes in the same period. Conducted adapted training also resulted in significant improvement in examined sport skills performance. However, this kind and duration of experimental procedure did not result in significant differences in anthropometric variables and heart rate frequency. This study demonstrated that adapted basketball training is an adequate stimulus for improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness and sport skills performance of adolescents with mild MR. The advantage of this type of adaptive training program is that it does not require a large financial input, but only the engagement of a qualified and dedicated physical education professor. Key words: adapted basketball training, mild mental retardation, cardiorespiratory fitness Corresponding author: Miodrag Koci Email: miodrag.kocic73@gmail.com Acta facultatis medicae Naissensis 2017;34(2):159-168 INTRODUCTION Regular physical activity during adolescence, especially in the case of people with intellectual disability, is of essential importance for the improvement of health, proper growth and development (1-4). The actual guidelines recommend at least 60 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity for adolescents several days a week (5, 6). Further, persons with mental retardation (MR) have similar response to exercises compared to peers without disabilities, although there is an increased need for movement (7). However, previous studies have indicated that individuals with intellectual disability score have lower results in standardized tests for physical fitness in all phases of their life, compared to the normal population of the same gender and age (3, 4, 8). An appropriate level of physical fitness is considered important to the health of people with intellectual disability, and regular physical activity throughout life is recommended for non-communicable disease prevention. Moreover, regular physical activity of people with intellectual disability contributes to their mental and physical progress, increases emotional stability and the motivation to live (9, 10). It can be assumed that a lower level of physical fitness among individuals with mild MR is the consequence of a sedentary lifestyle and the lack of possibility to participate in any form of adapted physical activity, especially in states with low-income or lower-middle economies. Previous investigations indicate that physical activity can improve the quality of life of individuals with MR, and therefore it is recommended to include this population in various programs of adaptive physical activities (9-13). Cardiorespiratory (aerobic) and muscle endurance, as well as muscle strength and balance, can be reduced to such a great extent among individuals with MR that they impede the daily functioning (14, 15). These factors can have an additional negative effect on the level of obesity, balance and risk of a fall (16, 17). Previous studies confirmed the effects of physical training on physical fitness and well-being in people with mild intellectual disabilities (14). Ozmen at al. (18) have showed positive effect of school-based cardiovascular training on shuttle run performance in children with MR. All previously mentioned reports clearly indicate that physical activity can improve the physical fitness, work capacities and quality of life of individuals with mild MR. Additionally, the results of our previous pilot study (19, 20) have enabled the design of a full-scale experiment on this topic. To the best of the authors' knowledge, there has been no study which 160 investigated the effects of an adapted basketball training program on adolescents with mental retardation. Furthermore, no study so far has determined the effect of integrated training participation on cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition and motor skills. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an adapted basketball training program on the cardiorespiratory fitness and sport skills performance of adolescents with MR. We chose this sport activity because of the nature of the basketball environment and the popularity of this sport in our country, believing that this will be an additional motivation for participants, increasing their compliance and facilitating the implementation of the planned program. It was assumed that the implemented adapted basketball training program would result in improved cardiorespiratory fitness and sport skills performance in adolescents with mild MR. MATERIAL AND METHODS Participants Fifty adolescents with mild mental retardation (27 males and 23 females) participated in the study. All of them were classified as having mild mental retardation, lived at home and none of them was institutionalized. They were divided into two groups: experimental (EG, n = 25, age 15.7 ± 0.9 years) and control (CG, n = 25, age 15.9 ± 0.8 years). All participants were included into regular school activities with physical education classes, while participants from experimental group performed a specially adapted basketball training program in duration of eight weeks. The adapted basketball training program and regular physical education classes were not held on the same day. All of the participants underwent a physical examination performed by a specialist in sports medicine for athletic eligibility. None of the participants showed any evidence of recent injury in their anamnesis or clinical report. Ethical clearance The Human Investigation Committee of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education of University of Nis approved the study (No. 04-6/2012), and after that decision the Institutional Board of Special Schools for Elementary and Secondary Education, "14. oktobar" in Nis also approved the study. A written informed consent was obtained from all the participants and from their parents or their legal guardians (if indicated) after a detailed description of the procedures was provi- Acta facultatis medicae Naissensis 2017;34(2):159-168 ded. The procedures presented were in accordance with the ethical standards in human research. Procedures Based on the experience in the previous pilot study (20), a specially adapted basketball training program was conducted four times per week, during eight consecutive weeks. Each training session lasted between 25-35 minutes. The first 5 minutes were spent in dynamic warm-up to set the tone for the training session, and the last 5 minutes were spent in some stretching exercise to help relax the body. Within the eight-week training activities, the subjects had 32 training sessions overall. The duration of the training sessions during the first four weeks ranged from 25 to 30 min and 30 to 35 min after the fourth week. The overall time of the training activities during the first four weeks ranged from 130 to 150 min and up to 175 min in the other four weeks of training. Before performing the specific-motor skills test battery, the participants had a variable number of familiarization sessions, depending on how fast they became accustom med to field tests. They were helpful in teaching participants the correct exercise execution model. Measures Anthropometric measurements included body height, body weight, and percentage of fatty tissue. Body height was measured by means of an anthropometer (GPM, Switzerland), employing a standardized procedure (21). The measurement results were accurate within 0.1 cm. Body weight was measured by means of electronic scales (Tefal, France), with accuracy within 0.1 kg. Body composition measurement was performed using a device for bioelectrical impedance analysis BF 300 (Omron, Japan). The measurement was performed abiding by the manufacturer's instructions. Data regarding the percentage of fatty tissue were read off the display with a 0.1% accuracy. Resting heart rate, heart rate during and at the end of a six-minute walk test (6 MWT) were determined continuously using automated telemetric monitoring system (Polar, Finland). For the evaluation of general and integrated responses of all the organ systems involved in physical activity, the 6MWT was used (22). The tests does not offer any concrete information regarding the function of each of the various organs and systems which take part in physical activity, as it is possible with standardized laboratory load tests using suitable equipment for cardio-pulmonary studies. Nevertheless, since most of the daily activities take place up to the level of submaximal intensity, the 6MWT offers a satisfactory insight into the functional state of the bodies of the participants, which is necessary for daily physical activities (22, 23), and which has been used in previous research involving individuals with special needs, including those suffering from mental retardation (24). The six-minute walk test, conducted at the participant's own pace on a flat surface 30 m in length, in a gym, was carried out according to a standardized protocol while adhering to the existing recommendations (22, 23). The participants were assigned the task of crossing as great a distance as possible in a period of 6 min, walking at a tempo which suited them, but without running. The participants received instructions and were continuously motivated during the test. In addition, the participants were allowed to stop at any point during the test, but were encouraged to continue once again in the shortest time possible. The covered distance following the period of 6 min was measured to the closest meter. With the aim of a more simplified measurement of the covered distance, at intervals of 1 m along the edge of the surface on which the test was being carried out, alternating markers of a fluorescent green and orange color were placed. The subjects of this study performed the first ability level of modified basketball tests designed for players with mental retardation, as described in previous studies (25, 26), characterized by the analysis of four fundamental areas related to the technical and basic aspects of this game: ball handling, reception, passing, and shooting. Each area was divided into five specific components, in which the athletes obtained an individual score: 1 point for a correct performance; 0.5 points for an incorrect performance; and 0 points for a completely failed attempt. Subject could reach a maximum of 20 points, and were always evaluated by the same team of investigators. Statistical analyses All data are presented as mean ± SD, and all statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS version 16.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) software. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test showed that none of the variables deviated from the normal distribution (p > 0.05). Changes in physical fit-ness and specific-motor skills were analyzed separately using 2 x 2 (group x time) repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. 161 Acta facultatis medicae Naissensis 2017;34(2):159-168 Table 1. Participants' anthropometric variables during an 8-week experimental period (Mean ± SD) Experimental group (n = 25) Initial Final 156.7 ± 15.1 157.1 ± 14.8 56.4 ±16.4 56.8 ± 16.1 20.9 ± 7.7 20.1 ± 8.1 Control group (n = 25) Initial Final 158.1 ± 14.8 158.8 ± 15.7 57.2 ± 13.5 58.5 ± 15.9 21.2 ± 8.9 21.7 ± 9.3 Variables Body height (cm) Body weight (kg) Body fat mass (%) Table 2. Pre- and post- treatment means (SD) of resting heart rate (HR_REST) and heart rate at the end of a six-minute walk test (HR_6MWT) for both groups Experimental group (n = 25) Initial Final 83.56 ± 7.74 82.08 ± 6.59 121.76 ± 19.44 115.44 ± 10.73 Control group (n = 25) Initial Final 82.72 ± 6.22 83.32 ± 6.07 119.88 ± 15.69 117.52 ± 13.39 Variables HR_REST HR_6MWT RESULTS Conducted for a period of eight weeks, the specially adapted basketball training program did not result in any statistically significant changes in body weight and body fat percentage of the experimental group participants (Table 1). There were no statistically significant changes in the control group either. The repeated measures ANOVA revealed no statistically significant difference between groups preto post-treatment in resting heart rate (F[1.48] = 0.19. p = 0.66) and heart rate at the end of six-minute walk test (F[1.48] = 1.99. p = 0.16). The repeated measures ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference between groups preto post-treatment (F[1.48] = 6.49. p < 0.05) in 6MWT distance. The experimental group experienced a 10% increase in covered distance pre- to post-testing (p < 0.05), whereas controls had no statistically significant changes in the same period (Figure 1). DISCUSSION The main purpose of conducted study was to evaluate the effects of an eight-week adapted basket ball training program on the cardiorespiratory fitness of adolescents with mild mental retardation. The findings of the conducted study clearly show that eight weeks of a adapted basketball training program resulted in a improvement of the ability to cover a longer dista162 nce during the 6 MWT. On the basis of the significant differences found, we can with certain reliability consider that the structure and length of the adapted basketball training program induced an improvement in the level of cardiorespiratory endurance among the participants with MR. Also, these results indicate that the applied training program involves all limbs through different movement and action. Previous investigation reported that individuals with intellectual disability usually have 8-12% lower cardiorespiratory capacity (27), and approximately 15 beats/min lower values of maximal heart rate frequency (28), in comparison to the values of the normal population of the same gender and age. Based on our results, it means that even short term training program could increase cardiorespiratory fitness level in adolescent with MR to the level of their peers without disabilities. On the other hand, intensity of conducted program and/or its duration of eight weeks were not sufficient to induce significant changes in anthropometrical variables and frequency of heart rate (Tables 1 and 2). Nevertheless, the obtained results have shown whether in the case of these variables a difference occurred, and so we can assume that the increase in work intensity or duration of the program could lead to significant changes of body composition with a decrease in body fat. Previous weight survey on adult persons with mental retardation reported inversely proportional relation between intelligence and the percentage of body fat (29). Moreover, approximately 20% of adults with intellectual disability were classified as obese, and insufficient physical activity accompanying with seden- Acta facultatis medicae Naissensis 2017;34(2):159-168 tary lifestyle is considered to be the main reason (30).The second purpose of this study was to assesses the effects of adapted basketball training program on the sport skills performance of adolescents with mild Figure 1. The covered distance (CD) in the experimental (EXP) and control group (CON) pre- and post-training. All of the values are expressed as mean ± SD. * Significant difference between pre and post measurement p < 0.05. # Significant difference between groups (p < 0.05). Table 3. Basketball skill parameters before and after an 8-week training intervention (Mean ± SD) Experimental group (n = 25) Initial Final Change % 3.71± 0.67 4.11±0.39 11% 4.23 ±0.51 4.36 ± 0.38 3% 3.99 ±0.44 4.28±0.28 8% 3.15±0.66 3.70±0.45 17% Control group (n = 25) Initial Final Change % 3.82 ± 0.62 3.86 ±0.52 1% 4.15 ± 0.42 4.20 ± 0.36 1% 4.05 ±0.43 4.11 ±0.32 1% 3.23 ± 0.63 3.40 ± 0.64 5% Variables Ball Handling Reception Passing Shooting MR. Eight weeks of this specially adapted training program resulted in significant improvement in sport skills performance. We can only hypothesized that some complex interactions, including changes in intercellular signalization, during the conduction of eight-weeks training influence neurological plasticity and contribute to motor learning. In addition, previous investigations suggested that physical activity during training can lead to an increase in the capillary network due to increased oxygen uptake (26, 31). Nevertheless, results of our study clearly indicate that the applied adapted basketball program succeeded in motivating the subjects to take an active part in the training. From our point of view, it is very important to create different programs of physical activities, through adapted physical education classes and inclusive activities, in order to provide opportunities for an active lifestyle for adolescents with MR. A limitation of the conducted study could be that all participants were classified as having mild mental retardation, and they also had had previous experience with the regular physical education classes. This line of researches could be extended to other subpopulations of these individuals and also for other types of intervention (e.g. football, handball volleyball, etc.). CONCLUSION Adapted physical activity represents a good foundation for the development of physical and cognitive abilities, as well as for the improvement of the quality of life of persons with mental retardation. However, there are a lot of objective problems such as a lack of suitable objects, fields, and the high cost of the organization of such forms of physical activity. This study demonstrated that adapted basketball trai163 Acta facultatis medicae Naissensis 2017;34(2):159-168 ning is an adequate stimulus for improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness and sport skills performance of adolescents with mild MR. The duration of adaptive Figure 2. The specific-motor skills test battery for the experimental (EXP) and control group (CON) pre- and post-training in (a) Ball handling ­ BH. (b) Reception ­R. (c) Passing ­ P and (d) Shooting ­ S. All values are expressed as mean ± SD. ** Significant difference between pre- and post-measurement p < 0.01. # Significant difference between groups (p < 0.01). training program and individual training session fromthis study can be a form of planning activities for adolescents with MR, and tests used can be taken as a measure to evaluate the achieved results. The advantage of this type of adaptive physical activity is that it does not require a large financial input, but only the engagement of a qualified and dedicated physical education professor. Acta facultatis medicae Naissensis 2017;34(2):159-168

Journal

Acta Facultatis Medicae Naissensis – de Gruyter

Published: Jun 1, 2017

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