Physical fitness of people with moderate and considerable intellectual disabilities

Physiotherapy ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marzena Ślężyńska ◽  
Grzegorz Mięsok ◽  
Kamila Mięsok

AbstractIntroduction: The aim of the physical activity of the intellectually disabled is the strengthening of health, creating movement habits, promoting active recreation, and maintaining exercise capacity. Skillfully applied physical activity allows to mitigate the effects of pathology and create the compensations to enable the intellectually disabled people to live relatively independently. Physical activity and sport also increase their chances to integrate with their families, peers, and social environment.Materials and methods: The research targeted a group of 134 people with moderate or considerable intellectual disability (65 women and 69 men), aged 20-53 years, who participated in occupational therapy workshops in Jastrzębie Zdrój, Rybnik, and Żory. Physical fitness was assessed using the “Eurofit Special” test and balance tests. Measurements of body height and mass were also taken and then used to calculate the body mass index (BMI).Results: A salient somatic trait was the greater body mass relative to height among the persons with considerable disability, clearly illustrated by the BMI. This explained their greater heaviness in performing physical exercises. An even greater difference between participants with moderate and considerable intellectual disability was visible in physical fitness. Obviously, older persons did not achieve as good results in fitness tests as the younger ones, yet the participants were more differentiated by the level of disability than age. Most symptomatic differences to the disadvantage of the considerably disabled were observed in explosive strength, speed, abdominal muscle strength, and flexibility.Conclusions: Significant differences in fitness between the compared groups make it necessary to take into account the level of intellectual disability in the course of physical education and sport, at work, and in household duties.

2020 ◽  
Vol 198 (4) ◽  
pp. 832-844
Author(s):  
Dariusz Lenart

The study aims to assess the relationship between the body structure, physical fitness, and functional parameters of the respiratory system of the cadets from the General Tadeusz Kościuszko Military University of Land Forces (AWL) and their results in passing selected obstacle courses. The research material was collected from testing cadets of the third year of management studies. The research included anthropometric measurements, physical fitness tests, spirometry, and tests determining the level of passing selected obstacle courses. Body height and weight were measured. The body mass index was also calculated. Besides, the following functional characteristics were measured: cardiopulmonary endurance, functional strength, running speed and agility, balance, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow. The study also included tests determining the level of passing the land and water obstacle courses. Statistically significant relationships were found between height and weight, balance, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second. Moreover, there were correlations between body weight and body mass index and the results in passing the land obstacle course. In addition, there were connections between cardiopulmonary endurance and performance in passing the land obstacle course, body balance, and performance in passing the land and water obstacle course. All the relationships mentioned above were low and statistically significant.


2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (78) ◽  
pp. 87-94
Author(s):  
Helena Popławska ◽  
Adam Wilczewski ◽  
Agnieszka Dmitruk ◽  
Wojciech Hołub

Aim: The study was aimed to evaluate the somatic build and physical fitness of children and adolescents aged 10-19 years depending on their physical activity. Basic procedures: The survey was conducted in the years 2008-2009 with 925 girls and 1016 boys aged 10-19 years, attending rural and urban schools in the Bielsk District. The following basic anthropometric measures were taken: body height, body mass, arm and shank circumference, thickness of three skinfolds (over the triceps, over the scapula, and over the iliac crest). The Body Mass Index (BMI) was computed from values of body height and mass measurements. Numeric values of somatotypological components were calculated as well; these including: endomorphy, mesomorphy, and ectomorphy. Physical activity was evaluated based on the trials of the European Physical Fitness Test battery, and stratified acc. to a 3-level scale: low activity – up to 1 hour, moderate activity – between 1 and 3 hours, and high activity – 4 and more hours. In groups of the physical activity of girls and boys, values of somatic traits and results of motor tests were normalized with the use of equations indicating dependencies of mean values and standard deviations on age, according to Stupnicki et al. [1]. Significance of differences between the studied groups was evaluated using the analysis of variance ANOVA with “post-hoc” Newman-Keuls test. Results: The surveyed girls and boys with the highest physical activity were characterized by the lowest values of somatic traits, except for body height, and by the best results of physical fitness. Greater differences between results were observed in the girls. Conclusions: A correlation was demonstrated between the physical activity and somatic build and physical fitness of the surveyed girls and boys. Key words: physical activity, physical development, physical fitness, children and adolescents


2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 158-164
Author(s):  
Antoni Seredyński ◽  
Ewa Polak

Abstract Introduction. The aim of this study was to determine the level of overall physical fitness of girls from the Subcarpathian Province Team (SPT) who practise acrobatic and trampoline gymnastics and compare it to that of other members of the SPT. A comparative analysis of the subjects’ physique was also performed. Material and methods. The study was conducted on 175 female subjects who were members of the SPT in the youth and juniors categories. They were divided into three groups: 19 trampoline gymnasts, 35 acrobatic gymnasts, and 121 athletes practising other disciplines (named the SPT group). Overall physical fitness was determined using the International Physical Fitness Test (IPFT). The Body Mass Index, Rohrer’s index, and Ponderal index were calculated on the basis of anthropometric measurements. The obtained data were analysed statistically. In order to determine the statistical significance of differences in the results for each group, ANOVA variation analysis and Tukey’s HSD test were carried out. Results and conclusions. The athletes practising acrobatic and trampoline gymnastics had lower body height, lower body mass, and a slimmer physique than the girls from the SPT who performed other sports. However, it is not possible to clearly determine whether these differences were the result of practising a particular sports discipline. Compared to the SPT athletes practising other sports, the acrobats presented a higher level of overall fitness (apart from grip strength). This was evidenced by the higher scores they achieved for the IPFT (total number of points), trunk flexibility, shoulder muscle strength, and abdominal muscle strength. The fitness level of the trampoline gymnasts was similar to that of the SPT athletes who practised other sports (with better scores for trunk flexibility and lower ones for grip strength). The fitness profiles of the acrobatic and trampoline gymnasts were similar, and the group of acrobats achieved significantly higher scores only in trunk flexibility.


1996 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 259-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lennart Raudsepp ◽  
Toivo Jürimäe

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between physical activity and physical fitness and adiposity in a sample of 77 girls, aged 10–11 years. Physical activity was assessed by 7-day physical activity recall by which children reported how much time they spent on low and moderate-to-vigorous physical activities. Physical fitness was measured by EUROFIT test battery. Adiposity was estimated by sum of five skinfolds. The main finding of the study was that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and adiposity were significant predictors (with 16–34% accounted variance) of physical fitness tests where the body mass affects performance. Indicators of physical activity and adiposity were not significantly related with fitness items requiring muscular strength, balance, flexibility, and speed of limb movement. Furthermore, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and aerobic fitness predicted 22% of variance in adiposity in girls.


Author(s):  
Agnieszka Wasiluk ◽  
Jerzy Saczuk

Together with the changing socio-economic status of the Polish society, differences in the nutritional status of children and youth and their lower physical fitness levels are becoming more noticeable. The aim of this research was to define changes that occurred over a 10-year period regarding physical fitness of boys with proper weight-height proportions and of their underweight, overweight and obese counterparts. In 2004/05, somatic features and physical fitness were examined in 16116 and 9507 boys, respectively, aged 10-18. Ten years later somatic features and physical fitness assesmensts were repeated in 6972 and 6834 boys aged 10 to 18. The participants performed Eurofit tests and their body height and body mass were measured in order to calculate the Body Mass Index (BMI). The ten-year differences in physical fitness were expressed on a T point scale, while their extent was estimated with the Student’s t-test for independent data. The frequency of occurrence of underweight and overweight was expressed in percentage values and verified with the use of the χ² test.  In the analysed decade, an increase in the frequency of occurrence of both overweight and serious underweight was noted. It resulted in a lower level of physical fitness in children and youth belonging to the aforementioned groups. The most serious negative changes were noted in boys aged 13-15. It can be concluded that unless remedial programmes are implemented, the young generation will experience biological deterioration in the decades to come, which may result in an epidemic of lifestyle diseases in younger and younger individuals.  


Author(s):  
Helen Yohannes ◽  
Anna Hafsteinsson Östenberg ◽  
Marie Alricsson

AbstractObjectivesPhysical inactivity and poor physical fitness in children and adolescents are growing public health problems globally. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between Body Mass Index (BMI) and three physical fitness components, including overall fitness, according to the Swedish Physical power, Mental harmony and Social capacity profile (FMS profile). Another aim was to investigate the test-retest reliability of the FMS questionnaire and fitness tests.MethodsA total of 3,692 male and female adolescents in Sweden, between year 2004 and 2013, aged from 16 to 18 years old, were included. Height and weight data were collected to calculate the Body mass index (BMI). The participants performed physical fitness tests, which measure cardio-respiratory fitness, muscular strength and flexibility. The test-retest study included 18 adolescents, aged 16. They answered the FMS questionnaire and participated in the fitness tests with one-week interval.ResultsA weak inverse relationship between BMI and physical fitness was found: r=−0.06 to −0.07 (p<0.05) for flexibility, r=−0.13 to 0.10 (p<0.001) for strength, r=−0.14 to −0.33 (p<0.001) for cardiorespiratory fitness, and r=−0.15 to −0.27 (p<0.001) for overall fitness. In the test-retest study, the ICC’s for strength, flexibility and balance were 0.94, 0.96 and 0.89, respectively. The ICC’s for the questions regarding lifestyle ranged from 0.75 to 1.00 and for diet, physical activity and drugs were 0.56, 0.44 and 0.58, respectively. The correlation was stronger in overweight/obese individuals compared to normal weight individuals.ConclusionOverweight and obese individuals scored lower in the fitness tests compared to their normal weight counterparts. The test-retest study revealed that the FMS questionnaire and fitness tests are reliable tools.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-27
Author(s):  
Helena Popławska ◽  
Agnieszka Dmitruk ◽  
Wojciech Hołub

AbstractIntroduction. Body composition as well as physical fitness and physical activity are determined by a variety of factors affecting an individual, a social group or population.Material and methods. The research included 1st- and 2nd-year students from universities located in Biala Podlaska (University of Physical Education – UPE and State School of Higher Education – SSHE). Students were divided into 3 groups. The first group included physical education (PE) students from the UPE, the second group consisted of physiotherapy students from the UPE, while the third group included students from the SSHE. In general, 1107 individuals were examined, including 563 females and 544 males. Body height, body mass, waist circumference, hip circumference and six skinfolds were measured, fat tissue distribution indices such as WHR, TSS, ESS, TER were calculated and body composition was assessed with the use of IOI 353 body composition analyser. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Physical fitness was evaluated by performing EUROFIT tests. Statistical analysis was made on the basis of Shapiro-Wilk and Kruskal-Wallis tests.Results. PE students manifested the highest values of body height, muscle mass and lean body mass as well as the highest level of physical activity and physical fitness. Physiotherapy students had the highest body mass and the highest level of body fat. Students from the SSHE were characterised by the lowest body height and weight, muscle mass and lean body mass. They also manifested the lowest level of total body water. Participants from this university achieved the lowest results in such physical fitness tests as standing broad jump, 10 x 5 m shuttle run and sit-and-reach. Females from the SSHE also manifested the lowest level of total physical activity.Conclusion. It was concluded that somatic build, physical fitness and physical activity of the participants differ depending on their field of study.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Marcelo José Resende Gonçalves ◽  
Camila Ramos Santos ◽  
Carla Cristiane Silva

It is recommended that proper incorporation of healthy habits of physical activity in childhood and adolescence has a positive impact on a physically active lifestyle in adult life. Thus, the present study aimed to verify the effects of four weeks of systematized physical activity in addition to the classes of Physical Education on parameters of physical fitness related to health of children and adolescents. The sample was selected by convenience and composed of 73 children and adolescents aged 8-11 years. The subjects were subdivided into 2 groups; one group of children exclusively attending Physical Education classes (PEC); and another group that performed Systematized Physical Activity (SPA). The following tests were applied; the abdominal test to assess strength and muscle resistance; the Paccer to verify cardiorespiratory fitness; and the adapted sit-and-reach to evaluate flexibility. In addition, the Body Mass Index (BMI) and relative fat (%F) were assessed. Sample characterization data and motor tests are presented as median and interquartile range. The ANOVA test of repeated measurements was used to verify the effect of the moments. The results pre training did not demonstrate differences between groups in measures of body mass, stature, BMI, or motor tests. The effects of physical training were observed in all motor tests in favor of the SPA, while the PEC did not demonstrate significant differences between moments. In conclusion, four weeks of additional systematized physical activity promoted a significant positive effect in motor tests applied with a focus on heath.


2000 ◽  
Vol 90 (1) ◽  
pp. 329-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda M. Lemura ◽  
Joseph Andreacci ◽  
Richelle Carlonas ◽  
Jodi M. Klebez ◽  
Sara Chelland

Interest in the benefits of exercise has prompted increased research examining the relationship between physical activity and health status in adults. More recently, considerable research effort has been directed toward the role of physical activity in young children as a precursor to adult physical fitness. The purpose of this study was to estimate the relationship between physical activity measured via accelerometry and body mass index, body mass, body composition, and physical fitness in fourth-grade boys and girls during physical education lessons. 54 fourth-grade students in rural Pennsylvania (28 girls, M age 9.6, SD = .56; 26 boys, M age 9.5, SD = .51) were subjects. Girls were significantly less active during all lessons measured ( p<.001). The results of linear regression analyses indicated that physical activity was negatively associated with body mass index, body mass, and body fat percentage ( p< .05), and positively associated with physical fitness (V̇O2max) ( p<.01). These data indicate the need for curricular intervention to motívate girls to increase their activity during structured physical education lessons and demonstrate the efficacy of the body mass index as a screening tool within the schools.


2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 27
Author(s):  
Liana Pļaviņa ◽  
Silvija Umbraško

The Body composition is related to higher physical performance and a lower risk of health problems, it connects to external and internal factors. Military activitiesf are characterized with a high physical load and a psychological load, physical fitness and the body composition have an adverse effect on military performance. The primary purpose of the body composition and physical fitness is related to the selection of individuals the best suited to the demands of military service [2,10]. The proper body mass supports good health capacity [11,13]. The maintenance of body composition and appropriate physical fitness standards by the military personnel is affected by the intrinsic factors such as the individual’s genetic factors, development history, social background, and extrinsic factors, environmental changes and institutional, systemic changes. The effects of the excess body mass are widespread, raise the variety of concerns relevant to the health and performance of the military personnel [1,3,4,5]. The diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and heart disease increased with the obesity [6,7,9,12]. The individuals with overweight have more medical complication than the individuals with the standard body mass. The higher body mass index was associated with higher morbidity and mortality [8]. We have classified individuals according to the age into subgroups and provided the evaluation of the body composition on the basis of the main anthropometric characteristics as well the analysis of the standard physical fitness tests results. The analysis of the average value of the body mass and the Body Mass Index have shown large individual changes inside the subgroups and between the subgroups. The assessment of the results of physical fitness tests is provided differentially according to the individual corresponding age subgroup. The analysis of the respondent data reveals the overweight and obesity problem that became actual with the increasing the age of individuals. Physical fitness tests results have shown that the excellent physical fitness evaluation is received by about 33–44% of the military personnel that reflects a high unit of operational readiness.


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