Physical Activity for Mental Retardation

In 1996, the landmark Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health was released. It showed that less than half of all American adults and children take part in regular exercise or physical activities. A full 25 percent of all adults are completely sedentary.

The Surgeon General's Report also showed that diseases related to a lack of physical activity are major causes of disability and death in the United States. These diseases include obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

Health problems are often combined in people with mental retardation. In general, they are less physically active. This makes them more likely to develop problems with the heart and blood vessels. Recent studies have looked at the heart and lung function of people with mental retardation. When they are in their 20s, they often have the heart and lung function of people 20 to 30 years older.

The many benefits of physical activity include improved health and physical ability. A person who is active also feels better about himself or herself. Inactivity can decrease a person's ability to take care of him or herself. This may be one reason why some people with mental retardation live in institutions. Encouraging physical activity for people with mental retardation can help improve their health, physical function, self-esteem and behavior. It can also be an enjoyable social outlet. It can help support families and caregivers.  

The Special Olympics

Over the past 30 years, there has been a major increase in opportunities for sports and physical activities for persons with mental retardation. This is due in large part to the efforts of groups like the Special Olympics. In 1968, the first Special Olympics were held in Chicago. About 1,000 people took part. In 2003, more than 7,000 people from around the world competed in the Summer Games in Dublin, Ireland. Today, it is estimated that more than one million people from 150 countries take part in the Special Olympics. These athletes embrace the concept that sports are played for the love of the game. Competition, in and of itself, is a reward. Special Olympics athletes closely embody the true Olympic ideal.

In the Special Olympics, athletes are matched for competition. The match is based upon their levels of physical and mental ability. The Motor Training Program of the Special Olympics is made for severely disabled athletes. It focuses on taking part. It doesn't focus on competing. These athletes take part in special events. Their competition is measured against their personal best.

Special Olympics stress the joy that comes with physical activity and competition. It tries to make every athlete a winner. This approach is shown by its motto. It reads: "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in my attempt."  

Benefits of exercise

A program of regular physical activity helps people of all ages and abilities. An individual can develop a well-rounded exercise routine. This includes aerobic activity, strength training and stretching exercises.  

Aerobic activity involves repeated use of large muscle groups. This includes activities such as walking, jogging, cycling or using a wheelchair. These activities raise endurance. They improve the function of the heart and lungs. Aerobic exercise reduces the risk of developing many diseases of the heart and blood vessels. It also reduces their severity. Such diseases include hardening of the arteries (coronary artery disease) and high blood pressure (hypertension). Aerobic activity can lead to a longer and healthier life. It should be done for at least 30 minutes, three days each week.  

Strength training involves the use of weights or isometric exercises. It improves strength, bone health and daily function. Strength training should include at least one set of one exercise of each major muscle group. Do it at least two days each week. Some people with mental retardation have muscle imbalances. They must make sure to exercise the muscles on both sides of a joint. This ensures balanced strength. It prevents abnormal muscle tone.  

Stretching exercises help improve a person's range of motion. They reduce muscle soreness and spasticity. They improve movement. Stretching is especially important for persons with mental retardation. They may have decreased flexibility. This results from muscle spasms. Stretching exercises should be done before and after exercise.  

• In people who have normal muscle tone, each stretch should be held for 10 seconds without bouncing.  
• In people who have muscle spasms, each stretch should be held for 20 to 30 seconds without bouncing.  

Precautions

Development syndromes result in mental retardation. They often come with a variety of other medical conditions. Seizures may rule out taking part in certain activities. Families and medical providers must make sure that the individual keeps up with his or her medication schedule. This can avoid an increase in seizures.

People who have mental retardation are more likely to be affected by environmental hazards. These include heat illness. Be sure to provide enough fluids to drink and the right clothing to wear. See your doctor for a preparticipation physical exam. This should take place before the person takes part in an exercise program or sport. This is especially important for people who have heart abnormalities.

Down syndrome is a common cause of mental retardation. It is associated with loose joints (generalized ligament laxity). This may make a person more likely to injure the neck (cervical spine). The doctor should take cervical spine X-rays. Do this before a person with Down syndrome takes part in any activity that puts him or her at risk of falling.  

Eligibility

The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America believes that all persons with mental retardation should be encouraged to participate in some sport or form of physical activity. Local chapters of Special Olympics can be found throughout the world. They give support for the development of appropriate exercise programs to the families and caregivers of persons with mental retardation. Being eligible for Special Olympics depends upon being diagnosed with mental retardation. It is limited to people over age 8. Special Olympics training is available for children aged 6 and 7. For more information about Special Olympics, phone (800) 443-6105, or visit the Special Olympics' Web site.  

November 2004

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