Development and Evaluation of a Systematic Run/Walk Program for Men with Mental Retardation

Abstract

While run/walking fitness programs are easy to administer to the general population, a number of unique factors exist when introducing these programs to persons with mental retardation. To date, few systematic and individualized self-paced run/walk training studies have been conducted for persons with mental retardation. In this investigation a 14 week run/walk program was implemented with five adult men with mild or moderate mental retardation whose mean age was 35 years. Each man was assigned a physical education major as a running partner. To motivate exercise participation a point system was established so the men could earn daily and weekly privileges. Analysis of pretest to posttest scores on the Cooper Twelve Minute Run/Walk Test showed each man increased the number of laps completed with improvement range from 2.5% to 22.5% and averaging 12.0%. The men met or exceeded their distance criteria goals in 23 of the 25 sessions. In addition, in a test for maintenance the men maintained run/walk goals without being accompanied by their running partner. The study demonstrated the men were able to set goals and were able to engage in appropriate fitness activities in the absence of extensive supervision. Results of this study also concur with previous training investigations and suggests that with proper training and reinforcement techniques, men with mental retardation can improve their cardiovascular fitness levels.

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