The Effects of Physical Education and Sports Classes for the Mild Mentally Disabled Teenagers who were between the Ages of 12-16 to the Some Motoric Specialities (Turkish and German Model)
Cesim CIFTCI, Irfan GULMEZ, Nusret RAMAZANOGLU, Semih YILMAZ
Abstract
In this study; the effects of physical education classes that are teached at the Educable Mentally Handicapped
Schools on educable mentally handicapped children’s motor skills were examined and compared in Turkey and
Germany. 30 Turkish and 30 German, in total 60 students (20 girl, 40 boy) that aged between 12-16 participated
in this study. Only children that have IQ scores between 45-75 were included. Participants’ motor performance
improvements were evaluated by tests that were done before and after 13 weeks the physical education program.
30 m speed, standing long jump, medicine ball throw and 30 seconds sit-up tests were used in motor performance
measurements’. It is found that physical education and sport programs significantly improved children’s
performance in motor tests at both Turkish and German schools (p<0.05). The improvements in motor
performance were similar for both genders. In addition to that improvements in speed were higher for students in
Turkish school. It is detected that physical education and sport classes aimed at motor skills, contribute
significantly to educable mentally handicapped children’s motor development. Adequate and proper participation
in physical activities that are specifically designed for educable mentally handicapped children, seem to improve
these children’s motor performance, same as normal children.
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