Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of complex exercise program on physical fitness, derivatives reactive oxygen metabolite (d-ROM) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) levels of adolescents with intellectual disabilities, and to sugesst exercise programs to promote the health and physical development of such adolescents.
Methods: Sixteen students with intellectual disabilities were divided into 2 groups (Age: 13.37 ± 2.36 yrs, Height: 155.63 ± 9.72 cm, Weight: 63.24 ± 11.25 kg); exercise group (n=8), control group (n=8). The exercise group performed the complex exercise program 60 minutes a day, 3 times a week over a 12-week period. Then, the control group maintained their activities of daily living. Before and after the completion of the training program, and physical fitness were measured and blood samples were assessed.
Results: The results of the study indicate that the 12-weeks complex exercise program increased significantly health- and skill-related. Furthermore, the d-ROM levels decreased more significantly in the exercise group than in the control group, and the BAP levels decreased after completion of the exercise program in the exercise group.
Conclusion: This study proved that the complex exercise program improved physical fitness, and reduced the d-ROM levels of the adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Therefore, it may enhance the health and physical development of adolescents with intellectual disabilities.