Changes in Self-Concept and Cardiovascular Endurance of Mentally Retarded Youths in a Special Olympics Swim Training Program

Abstract

Although It has been said that Special Olympics competition contributes significantly to the physical fitness and self-concept of mentally retarded participants, no experimental research has been reported on the Special Olympics program. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in self-concept and cardiovascular endurance of mentally retarded youths after participating in a Special Olympics swim training program. One group (N = 25) participated in a 10-week Special Olympics swim training program, while the control group (N = 25) adhered to their normal daily living activities. The 9-Minute Run/Walk test yielded the data for measuring cardiovascular endurance, and the Piers and Harris Children’s Self-Concept Scale was selected to measure self-concept. Results of the analysis of variance for each test were significant. It was concluded from the findings of this study that participation of mentally retarded youth in a Special Olympics swim training program contributed to a significant increase in self-concept and cardiovascular endurance.

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“…As a result, the psychosocial and functional domains of the subjects were positively influenced by the aquatic activities. The results also show the interrelationship between general aquatic activities, self-esteem and functional independence found in the literature (Christie, 1985;Peganoff, 1984;Wright & Cowden, 1986).…”

“…The first study (Edlund, French, Herbst, Ruttenberg, Ruhling, & Adams, 1986) found improved clinical status and exercise tolerance in young patients with cystic fibrosis who participated in a 20-week prescribed aquatic programme. In the second research, Wright and Cowden (1986) reported a significant gain in self-concept scores with 50 mentally retarded adolescents, in response to a ten-week prescribed swimming programme. The third study (Huang, Veiga, Sila, Reed & Hines, 1989) showed a significant improvement computer listing) was also proposed by the therapists of the CCV's school involved in the research project.…”

Effects of the Special Olympics of Texasathletes for outreachprogram on communication competence among individuals with mental retardation

“…Klein, Gilman, and Zigler (1993) found that generally, experts and parents viewed the Special Olympics program as providing great benefit to participants, particularly in terms of social adjustment and life satisfaction. The physical benefits of participation in Special Olympics have been noted by several researchers (Gibbons & Bushakra, 1989;Songster, 1986;Special Olympics, Inc., 1994;Wright & Cowden, 1986). Rarely, however, has any research addressed or supported the social and psychological benefits of Special Olympics.…”

“…Although some studies (Gibbons & Bushakra, 1989;Special Olympics, Inc., 1994;Wright & Cowden, 1986) have suggested that people's participation in Special Olympics leads to gains in psychosocial and physical behaviors important to community integration and ultimate inclusion (self-concept, social acceptance, perceived competence, and physical performance), limited empirical research has been conducted in these areas (Wilhite & Kleiber, 1992). As important as communication would appear, few attempts have been made to address communication competence for individuals with mental retardation.…”

"Deporte inclusivo en la escuela": diseño y análisis de un programa de intervencion para promover la inclusión del alumnado con discapacidad en Educación Física

“…En esta cuestión parece no haber consenso en la literatura, ya que algunos estudios muestran mejoras significativas en el autoconcepto físico de las personas con discapacidad intelectual en un entorno deportivo específico (Castagno, 2001;J. Wright y Cowden, 1986), mientras que otros apoyan que es debido a una participación inclusiva (Maiano et al, 2001;Ninot, Bilard, Delignieres, y Sokolowski, 2000 ocasiones, los resultados mostraron una tendencia significativa en la mejora de la autoestima en los tres grupos, no habiendo cambios significativos en autoconcepto físico en ninguno.…”