STRUCTURE OF BODY DEFORMATIES AMONG PERSONS WITH MENTAL RETARDATION

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to assess body structure deformities among people with mental retardation.Knowing the structure of people with mental retardation’s physical deformities is the starting basis of a quality program for preventive and corrective work. Also, it is a starting point in the process of special education and rehabilitation in regards to their removal and mitigation.The structure of the physical deformities among persons with mental retardation were analyzed in terms of age and degree of mental retardation in relation to everyday life activities.The inquiry covered 170 respondents with mental retardation in both sexes. All respondents were placed in an institution for treatment of persons with severe and profound mental retardation (Special Institute Deep River). On the basis of two criteria, participants are divided into groups. The first criterion forestablishing a group of level of mental retardation: Group I - severe mental retardation (TMR) and Group II - profound mental retardation (DMR). A second criterion for establishing the age group of respondents: Group I - age 18 years; Group II- Age 19 - 30 years and Group III - over 31 years. The structure of the physical deformities was analyzed in terms of age and degree of mental retardation in relation to activities in everyday life.For the purposes of the planned research , an integral protocol is established for the evaluation of physical deformities among persons with disabilities, including: an application form for general information about the respondents, a questionnaire to assess somatic status, and a clinical sheet and test activities in everyday life (Test ASZH, Rusk, 1971). All data obtained by the research are expressed quantitatively and treated with the following statistical methods and procedures: number of repetitions, frequency and percentages, measure of central tendency, the arithmetic mean and standard deviation, χ2 and Fisher Exact - test. Statistically, significant differences were taken with different levels of significance ρ <0,05.The following significant results may be set aside: 33.52% of respondents with mental retardation who are placed with institutional disturbed physical integrity, limited mobility of the upper limbs have 50% of respondents and 52.35% of the lower limbs. Poor posture of the body was recorded at 61.17% of the respondents, and structural changes of the spinal column is the 45.29% of the respondents. Deformities of the pelvis with 20.50% of the knee joint of 6.45%, and deformities of the feet with 41.93% of the respondents. Also the results of the survey shows that the ability to perform functions of the locomotory system depends on the individual and social activity of the person with mental retardation. In carrying out activities in support bed or assistance by another person in 47.05% of the respondents is needed. For carrying out activities in self-care need the help or assistance by another person for 54.70% of the respondents to maintain personal hygiene, feeding for 45.88% of therespondents, while dressing / undressing for 54.11% of the respondents. Re­sults obtai­ned in the survey clearly show that mental retardation follow numerous physical deformities, which conceal the abilities in other areas of functioning and further invalidate them. As the degree of mental retardation is increased, the physical deformities become a more significant problem in their functioning. Proposed measures arising from the results obtained are as follows: * It is necessary to continue research in this area, * It is necessary to establish a central database * Application of research results into daily practice (introducing new content and protocol) * Harmonization of existing legislation with the modern doctrines and conceptual approaches * Harmonization of assessment and treatment in special education and rehabilitation of persons with combined damage * Selection of a program for special education and rehabilitation tailored to the age, * Multidisciplinary approach to the problem, * Training of personnel working with persons with combined disabilities.