مجله دانشگاه علوم پزشکی بیرجند (Nov 2013)
Effect of Spark Motor Program on the development of gross motor skills in intellectually disabled educable boys
Abstract
Background and Aim: Intellectually disabled children have problems in development and motor skills. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to assess the impact of Spark Motor Program on improving of gross motor skills in intellectually disabled educable boys. Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental study, out of 98 intellectually disabled educable male students studying in schools for the irregular in Urmia, 20 (mean age 9-13 yrs) were selected and divided into two equal experimental and control groups) based on pre-test. Spark Motor Program, which includes strengthening training, games, and sports, was performed for 24 sessions. Besides, BOTMP was used as a means of data collection. Finally, T-tests (dependent and independent) were applied as means of comparison. Results: Spark Program caused significant changes in all the variables of the study, except speed and agility, in the experimental group after 24 sessions. The changes included: agility and speed (P=0.731), balance (P=0), strength (P=0.002), and bilateral coordination (P=0). Conclusion: Spark Motor Program can improve gross motor skills in intellectually disabled educable students.
