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Volume 18, Issue 1 (2026)
Iran J War Public Health 2026, 18(1): 49-55 |
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Received: 2025/11/15 | Accepted: 2026/01/19 | Published: 2026/01/29
Received: 2025/11/15 | Accepted: 2026/01/19 | Published: 2026/01/29
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Goudarzi E, Barzegari Marvast H, Mosayebi Z. Effects of Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids and Functional Body System Exercises on Physical Fitness in Children with Intellectual Disabilities. Iran J War Public Health 2026; 18 (1) :49-55
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1- Department of Physical Education, Aligoudarz Campus (Al.C.), Islamic Azad University, Aligoudarz, Iran
2- Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran
2- Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran
Abstract (313 Views)
Aims: Children with intellectual disabilities often exhibit lower levels of physical fitness. This study investigated the effects of sports, play, and active recreation for children, and of functional body system training programs, on selected physical fitness indices in children with intellectual disabilities.
Materials & Methods: This semi-experimental study included 36 children with intellectual disabilities from Aligoudarz city. Participants were purposively selected and randomly assigned to three groups: the sports, play, and active recreation for kids training group; the functional body system training group; and the control group (n=12 each). The training groups completed selected sports, play, and active recreation for kids or functional body system protocols over 8 weeks, while the control group received no exercise intervention. Balance was assessed using the timed up-and-go test; muscular endurance using modified pull-up and sit-up tests; flexibility using the sit-and-reach test; and aerobic capacity using the 20-meter shuttle run test. Measurements were taken 48 hours before and after the training period. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25 software.
Findings: Both training programs significantly improved balance (15.48% and 12.36%), muscular endurance (26.4% and 25.8%), flexibility (26.13% and 18.36%), and aerobic capacity (10.16% and 12%, respectively) compared to the control group (p≤0.05). However, no significant differences were found between the two training programs for any of these parameters (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Sports, play, and active recreation for kids and functional body system training programs are equally effective, safe, enjoyable, and efficient interventions that enhance physical fitness indices in children with intellectual disabilities.
Materials & Methods: This semi-experimental study included 36 children with intellectual disabilities from Aligoudarz city. Participants were purposively selected and randomly assigned to three groups: the sports, play, and active recreation for kids training group; the functional body system training group; and the control group (n=12 each). The training groups completed selected sports, play, and active recreation for kids or functional body system protocols over 8 weeks, while the control group received no exercise intervention. Balance was assessed using the timed up-and-go test; muscular endurance using modified pull-up and sit-up tests; flexibility using the sit-and-reach test; and aerobic capacity using the 20-meter shuttle run test. Measurements were taken 48 hours before and after the training period. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25 software.
Findings: Both training programs significantly improved balance (15.48% and 12.36%), muscular endurance (26.4% and 25.8%), flexibility (26.13% and 18.36%), and aerobic capacity (10.16% and 12%, respectively) compared to the control group (p≤0.05). However, no significant differences were found between the two training programs for any of these parameters (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Sports, play, and active recreation for kids and functional body system training programs are equally effective, safe, enjoyable, and efficient interventions that enhance physical fitness indices in children with intellectual disabilities.
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