Effect of physical activity program on motor professionals in moderately mentally retard children with attention deficit hyperactive disorder symptoms

Abstract

Mentally retarded children have to face various problems in different aspects, such as physically, socially, and behaviorally. Moderately mentally challenged children with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) Symptoms often have low levels of motor skills and physical activity level. The purpose of the study was to find out the effect of physical activity programs on motor professionals in moderately mentally retard children with ADHD symptoms. For this purpose twenty (n=20) female ADHD students were selected by using stratified random sampling technique from volunteer assistant children disabilities center. Selected subjects were divide into two groups, each belonging to the experimental group (n=10) and control group (n=10). Experimental group underwent physical activity program for eight week three day per week for 45 minutes per day. ADHD was taken by criterion variable in this study pretest were taken before the training. Program and the post test were taken by immediately after the eight week training program. Inattention symptoms and hyperactive symptoms were recognized as the variables of the study and these symptoms were assessed through DSM IV rating scale. The Flamingo test and the wall toss test were used respectively to measuring balance and coordination. The analysis covariance (ANCOVA) was used to find out the significant different between the treatment group and the control group on selected variables. The 0.05 level confidences were fixed. There was a significant difference in the treatment group in the pretest (p value=0.886) and the posttest (p value= 0.000) of hyperactive symptoms. The significant difference between the treatment group in the pretest (p value=1.000) and the posttest (p value= 0.000) of inattention symptoms. According to the results, it was possible to assess a clear reduction in the children's inattention and hyperactive symptoms and observed a significant increase in the motor skills within a period of eight weeks. Finally recommended implementing structured physical activity programs to the needs and abilities of these children can reduce ADHD symptoms and improve attention span. Enhancing sensory stimulation to develop attention regulation as well as motor skills by incorporating multi-sensory activities.