The effect of body percussion exercises on the executive and balance function of mentally retarded girls

Poster Presentation
Paper ID : 1976-SSRC
Authors
1, Payame noor University. Tehran, Iran
2Payame noor University .Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Purpose:
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of body percussion exercises on executive and balance performance of disabled girls.
Subjects:
The statistical population included mentally retarded girls of Ramhormoz city, among them 20 mentally retarded children (10 experimental, 10 control) and with an age range of 9 to 11 years from exceptional schools randomly were chosen.
Research Methodology :
They by performing continuous performance test (sustained attention), color- Stroop word (response inhibition), stork (static balance) and heel-toe walking (dynamic balance) participated in this research as a pre-test and post-test. The experimental group received the selected intervention program of wind percussion as a group during 16 45-minute sessions; But the control group did the usual school activities. Body percussion exercises included clapping, snapping, chest-thumping, thigh-slapping, foot-stomping, and hand-hitting with a partner, conducted under the supervision of the researcher. The exercises varied from simple to complex, tailored to the characteristics of children with intellectual disabilities. After the last training session, participants underwent a post-test, and results were recorded.
Data analysis was performed using paired t-test and analysis of variance at a significance level of p≤0.05.
Results :
The results showed that the effect of body percussion exercises on sustained attention (P=0.001), response inhibition (P=0.001) and static and dynamic balance (P=0.001) is significant, and the participants in the experimental groups performed better than control groups had (P=0.001).
According to the findings, it seems that body percussion exercises are a beneficial intervention to improve movement and cognitive skills in mentally retarded children; Therefore, it is suggested to use these exercises in the physical education programs of exceptional schools and rehabilitation centers.
Keywords