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Oral Presentations - Session 2F: UC 333
Get Fit for Sport: Year Around Fitness Programs for Intellectually Disabled Individuals
Presentation Type
Presentation
Faculty Mentor’s Full Name
Donna Bainbridge
Faculty Mentor’s Department
Physical Therapy/Health and Human Performance
Abstract / Artist's Statement
The intellectually disabled population has increasing rates of obese and overweight individuals. Special Olympics, an organization designed to support recreational and Olympic type sporting events for this population, has brought focus to the issue by encouraging integration of fitness and healthy living into their lives. These athletes are physically active during their selected sports season, but it is reported they are not meeting their daily recommended amount of activity during the off season. The aim of the "Get Fit for Sport" program was to categorize Special Olympian physical fitness and develop year-round personalize training programs. The plan of providing year-round programs to each athlete was to encourage them to complete their daily activity requirements in the off season as well as additional light activity when they are in season. Four subjects were tested on aerobic activity, flexibility, strength, and balance to determine current physical capabilities. The test data were used to categorize the subjects as weak, moderate or strong in the four tested areas. Included in our results was a personalized survey conducted by the testers to understand the subjects’ preference of exercise, intellectual ability, and accessibility of equipment. Data collected from the tests and surveys were used to create personalized fitness plans for each subject. Within these plans each athlete was given an example week that they could incorporate into their lives. During the week all four categories are focused on, aerobic activity examples, strength training exercises, stretches for flexibility, and exercises to improve balance. Giving the athletes a well-rounded program for life long fitness.
Get Fit for Sport: Year Around Fitness Programs for Intellectually Disabled Individuals
UC 333
The intellectually disabled population has increasing rates of obese and overweight individuals. Special Olympics, an organization designed to support recreational and Olympic type sporting events for this population, has brought focus to the issue by encouraging integration of fitness and healthy living into their lives. These athletes are physically active during their selected sports season, but it is reported they are not meeting their daily recommended amount of activity during the off season. The aim of the "Get Fit for Sport" program was to categorize Special Olympian physical fitness and develop year-round personalize training programs. The plan of providing year-round programs to each athlete was to encourage them to complete their daily activity requirements in the off season as well as additional light activity when they are in season. Four subjects were tested on aerobic activity, flexibility, strength, and balance to determine current physical capabilities. The test data were used to categorize the subjects as weak, moderate or strong in the four tested areas. Included in our results was a personalized survey conducted by the testers to understand the subjects’ preference of exercise, intellectual ability, and accessibility of equipment. Data collected from the tests and surveys were used to create personalized fitness plans for each subject. Within these plans each athlete was given an example week that they could incorporate into their lives. During the week all four categories are focused on, aerobic activity examples, strength training exercises, stretches for flexibility, and exercises to improve balance. Giving the athletes a well-rounded program for life long fitness.