Original Research Article
Year: 2018 | Month: June | Volume: 8 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 137-145
Effectiveness of Physical Fitness Training in Students with Disabilities
Isphana Al Khatib1, Lokesh Sonnappa2, Deepika Gopal Rao3, Daisy Joshi4, Stephen Mathew5
1Director, 3Rehabilitation Services Coordinator, 5Research and Training Coordinator,
Al Noor Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities, Dubai, UAE.
2Physical Therapist, 4Head of the Department,
Department of Physical Therapy, Al Noor Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities, Dubai, UAE.
Corresponding Author: Lokesh Sonnappa
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: Inadequate physical fitness is a major problem affecting the function and health of students with disabilities. The purpose of the study was to describe the effectiveness of Physical fitness training program in students with disabilities.
Method: For the study Pre-experimental - one group pre and posttest design, Prospective Interventional Method was used. 37 students, 16 to 25 years of age with physical and developmental disabilities from Al Noor Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities in Dubai, UAE participated in a 10 week fitness training held 3 times per week followed by a 2 week home exercise program. Body Mass Index, Energy Expenditure Index and Modification of the Rockport fitness walking test were measured at 3 different time points : T1-before the onset of the physical fitness training, T2-at the end of the physical fitness training and T3-after the completion of home exercise program. Statistical analysis of the data was done with dependent ‘t- test’.
Results: The results showed a significant difference in Body Mass Index and Modification of the Rockport fitness walking test at training period. The majority of improvements in walking efficiency, and function occurred during the training at 5% level of significance.
Conclusion: Considering the statistical data analysis, clinical observation and the parental feedback the program adherence was high during the training period than the home program. The study concluded that Physical fitness training program had a beneficial effect on the measured parameters.
Key words: Physical fitness, Disabilities, Exercise Training, Body Mass Index, Energy Expenditure Index, Rockport fitness test.