THE ROLE OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS PROGRAM ONDEVELOPING MOTOR AND SOCIAL SKILLS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DOWN SYNDROME

Dana Ciocan, Maria, Dan Alexe, Iulian, Mareş Gabriel
2016 Romania Science, Movement and Health   unpublished
Aim. Motor development is considered to be an essential stage on developing independent life skills. There is a lack of intervention programs concerning getting and developing motor abilities for people with Down syndrome as well as a lack of opportunities to socially interaction in recreational and sport contexts. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of physical exercises interventions for individuals with Down syndrome in the area of motor abilities and social
more » ... tion. Methods. The first part of the research was a literature review that investigated the physical exercises effects on Down syndrome individuals. In the second part of the research a physical exercise program was implemented during a period of 5 month with a frequency of 2 sessions per week, lasting one hour. The subjects of the study were 30 individuals with Down syndrome. Results. The results reported significant improvements in motor skills: running, jumping, rolling, crawling, and handling objects. The research further concluded that no statistically or practically significant differences in motor skills could be found between female and male individuals. Conclusions. The study concluded that individuals with Down syndrome can improve: their ability to fulfill dynamic tasks in special circumstances, the ability to control and adjust speed to fast changes of direction and have the capacity to move in special circumstance.
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