The effect of selective physical and motor fitness exercises on the static and dynamic balance of mentally retarded female students

Improving the motor fitness of mentally retarded children is of importance for their health. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a chosen physical and motor fitness training program on the static and dynamic balance of mentally retarded female students. Thirty-eight high school students (average age 18.63 ± 1.3 years, average height 153.19 ± 6.98 cm, and average weight 58.95 ± 13.96 kg) attended this study, and were randomly divided into two groups: a control group with 21 students, and a training group with 17 students. Dynamic and static balances were measured by the Beam – walking test and Stork stand test, respectively. The training group underwent a combined chosen physical and motor fitness training program within 8 weeks, and 3 times a week. Covariance analysis test was applied to compare the variables of the two groups before and after the training programs. The results showed that there is a significant increase in dynamic balance through 8 weeks training in the training group (F=5.366, sig=0.027). But no significant difference between the two groups in static balance (F=2.751, sig=0.107) was observed. According to the result and findings of this study, it can be concluded that physical and motor fitness training can improve the dynamic balance level of mentally retarded students, while the same exercises have a poor effect on static balance. Generally, providing facilities for training programs in schools can improve the living conditions of mentally retarded female students.