Document Type : Original Articles
Authors
1 MSc, Department of Sports Injury and Corrective Exercises, School of Sports Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
2 Professor, Department of Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercise, School of Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercise, School of Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Sedentary lifestyles and neurological disorders among individuals with intellectual disability have caused them to suffer from weaknesses in physical fitness and social adjustment factors. Breathing exercises along with the reconstruction of movement patterns from the first year of life in Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) exercises, in addition to treatment, can be effective in preventing many disorders in these individuals. Therefore, the present study investigated the effect of 8 weeks of DNS training on respiratory function, functional tests, and quality of life (QOL) of educable intellectually disabled students.
Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental research, 26 educable, intellectually disabled, female students with a mean age of 17.19 ± 1.50 years and mean intelligence quotient (IQ) score of 61.15 ± 6.07 were selected purposefully and were randomly divided into an experimental (n = 13) and control group (n = 13). Before and after the training intervention, respiratory function, functional test, and QOL variables were assessed using the Rockport Walking Test, the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) test, and the Comprehensive Quality of Life Scale (ComQOL), respectively. Repeated measures ANOVA at a significance level of 0.05 was used to analyze the data.
Results: According to the results of this study, after performing 8 weeks of DNS training, a significant difference was observed in respiratory function (P = 0.001; F = 82.93), right FMS (P = 0.011; F = 51.00), left FMS (P = 0.001; F = 46.09), and QOL (P = 0.001; F = 34.25) in the experimental group compared to before training and compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Therefore, DNS exercises showed a significant effect on respiratory performance, functional tests, and QOL of students with intellectual disabilities.
Conclusion: Based on the current results, it appears that DNS exercises can be used as an effective method for improving the breathing performance, functional tests, and QOL of mentally disabled female students.
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