[Effect of selected trainings on muscle function and body composition in girls with mental retardation]

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of selected trainings on muscle function in girls with mental retardation. Twenty-three girls with mental retardation [IQ 50-70] were selected and randomly divided into the control [n=10] and experimental [n=13] groups. The experimental group participated in selected trainings for 1 month, 4 sessions a week, with an intensity of 60-80% of maximum heart rate. Before and after the training program, muscle function including static balance, dynamic balance, muscle force and fatigue index, along with the body composition parameters of the participants were recorded. Data were analyzed using independent t and ANCOVA tests [alpha<0.05]. Results showed that selected trainings significantly increased static balance during open and closed eyes; however, it did not have a significant effect on dynamic balance, muscle force, muscle fatigue index, and body composition. Girls with mental retardation may apply the selected training to improve their static balance and delay fatigue; however, more studies are required to assess the effect of these kind of trainings on the other muscle function indices and body composition