Effect of a 5-Year Cognitive Motor Training Program on Intellectually Disabled Youth

Abstract

Six intellectually disabled youth (age range, 12–21 years) underwent training to improve motor skills, endurance, muscle strength, and motor balance. Progress was measured every four months for five years. Fifteen types of training machines were developed and used. Outcomes were measured using various methods, including observation of participants' movements, fitness testing, questionnaires, and video monitoring. Participants' guardians were required to be present during each training session, and details such as workload and number of repetitions were recorded for each exercise. Significant effects of training tended to appear after roughly one year and gradually increased. Physical training for these intellectually disabled individuals not only improved mental and physical health, but also yielded effects on social skills such as the capacity for self-control over their own behaviors, as well as acceptance of instructions from others and the ability to interact cooperatively.