Article

While the positive effect of sports and exercise on physical and
psychological well being is well documented within the general population, the
effects of sports on the functional ability of a child with mental retardation
are limited. Objectives: To determine if sports activities have been detrimental
in improving functional ability in sample of children with mental retardation
based in Kolkata, a metropolis in India. Study Design: Field level study.
Methods: Six sports associations registered under the Sports Authority of India
for training children with mental retardation were shortlisted on the basis of
four criteria. From the register, every third name (gender irrespective)
belonging to the second (12-15 years) and third (15-21 years) subclasses (out of
the four categories laid down in the Special Olympics participation rules)
against a constraint of at least two years active attendance in the sports
facility for the child was selected. A sample of 31 children was drawn and the
WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) 12-item version was
administered to the caregiver-teacher-coach team of the sample. Relative changes
in scores between the point when the survey was conducted and the point when the
child joined the sports facility was used as the dependent variable for
regression analysis. The number of years in active sports, in school age of the
respondent and base score of the children when they joined school were the
independent variables. Results: For seven of the WHODAS 2.0 12-item attributes,
the number of years in sports activities was found to have a statistically
significant effect (p < 0.01) on the functional well being of children with mild
to moderate mental retardation. The number of years in school was also another
statistically significant factor (p < 0.01) responsible for this improvement. The
children, however, perceived of being not welcome in community activities, but
participated in activities meant exclusively for them. Conclusions: This small
study showed that the proposition that number of years in sports activities was a
significant factor responsible for improving the functioning of children with
mild to moderate mental retardation. Clinical relevance WHODAS 2.0 12-item
version has been a useful tool to monitor the effect of intervention (sports
activity in this case) on the functional abilities of children with mild to
moderate mental retardation. From a developing nation perspective with people
with disabilities having very limited access to rehabilitation, this study would
find its clinical relevance in the use of sports as an inexpensive and indigenous
rehabilitative measure to promote the health and well being of people with
disabilities as proposed in community-based rehabilitation guidelines (2010).

Langue : ANGLAIS