EFFECTS OF AN AEROBIC EXERCISE PROGRAM ON COMMUNITY-BASED ADULTS WITH MENTAL-RETARDATION

Effects of a 10-week aerobic exercise program on maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), oxygen pulse (O2 pulse), maximum ventilation (max vent), exercise stress test duration (max time), flexibility, weight and body composition (percentage body fat, percentage lean mass, and percentage body water) were investigated in 14 community-based adults with mental retardation. Supervised optional training sessions were held 4 days per week. Subjects were assessed for VO2 max, O2 pulse, max vent, and max time before and after the training program. Flexibility, weight, and body composition changes were assessed before, midway through, and after the training program. Subjects had a 91.3% attendance rate, and all safely completed the program. The treatment produced significant increases in VO2max, O2 pulse, max vent, max time, and flexibility. However, no significant change was observed in weight or body composition changes.