Background Numerous studies have proven the significant positive impact of the regular physical activity on general health conditions and quality of life of people with intellectual disability. In practice, various adapted sports activities are used. The current study deals with the effects of the soccer programme. Aim The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects of adapted soccer on the motor learning and some psychosocial characteristics in adolescents with Down syndrome. Methods Twenty-five participants were recruited and randomised into two groups (exercise and control). Adolescents placed in the exercise group carried out a special soccer programme twice a week during 16 weeks, while adolescents placed in the control group continued with their usual daily regime. Specific motor coordination, level of aggression, attention disorders, level of anxiety and depression, and social problems were measured before and after the training period. Mixed ANOVA were used to evaluate the effects of the experimental treatment.
ResultsThe exercise group had significant improvements (P < 0.05) in one of three motor variables (only in the easiest task) and in all psychosocial variables. There are no one significant change in the control group. The adapted soccer programme influenced more seriously on psychosocial characteristics than on motor learning of adolescent with DS. Conclusions The results suggest that adapted soccer training can decrease aggression, anxiety and depression levels, and improve attention, social behaviour and simple motor skills in adolescents with Down syndrome.
Introduction. Numerous studies have proven the significant positive impact of regular physical activity on the condition of people with intellectual disability. In practice, various adapted sports activities are increasingly used for children and adolescents with disabilities. Objectives. The current feasibility study determined the effect of soccer program on some psychosocial characteristics in adolescents with Down syndrome. Methods. 20 adolescents were recruited and randomized into two groups (the experimental group vs. the control group). Adolescents placed in the experimental group followed an adapted soccer program twice a week for 16 weeks. Adolescents placed in the control group continued with their usual daily routine during the experimental period. The level of aggression, attention problems, the level of anxiety and depression, and social problems were assessed. Results. The experimental group had significant improvements in all psychosocial variables. At the same time, no significant changes were registered in the control group. Conclusion. The results suggest that the soccer program can decrease the level of aggression, anxiety and depression, increase attention and improve social behavior in adolescents with DS.
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