مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - THE EFFECT OF 10-WEEK SWIMMING EXERCISE ON LIFE QUALITIES OF INDIVIDUALS WITH MILD INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY AND THEIR FAMILIES

Abstract :

The present study aims to investigate the effect of 10-week swimming exercise practice on life qualities of individuals with mild intellectual disability (MID) and their families. The study sampling is consisted of totally 32 individuals with MID aged 12-16 (12 females ( x bar: 15,25±0,86) and 20 males ( x bar: 14,90±1,11) from the Vala Gedik Primary School and Practice School in Uşak City. In order to determine life qualities of handicapped individuals and their families (Mother: 20, Father: 12), Health-Related Life Quality Scale (KINDL) and Life Quality Scale Short Form–36 (SF-36) were employed in the pre- and post-study periods. Individuals whose life quality levels were determined were separated into experiment and control groups through random sampling method. Whereas the experiment group was applied 10-week (60 min./3 days /week) swimming exercise program, the control group incurred no program. When life qualities of individuals with MID were evaluated in our study, pre-test and post-test results indicated statistically significant differences among groups in terms of school sub-dimensions and self-respect parameters (p 0.05). When post-test results of life quality parameters of families of handicapped individuals were considered, significant difference was determined with the liveliness sub-dimension (p 0.05). In terms of other parameters, no statistical difference was found (p 0.05). Finally, it was considered that 10-week swimming exercise was not effective on life quality and extension of exercise period could allow positive development. Individuals who participate in daily lives and training activities of individuals with MID are required to be given training to enhance life qualities of individuals; and long-term exercise programs should be included in the lives of these individuals.