Preparation and Realization an Intensive Week-long Programme of Yoga Relaxation Exercises Aims to Improvement of Fine Motor Skills and Mobility of Mentally-disabled People

This thesis deals with development of personal, but mainly physical and motor skills of people with mental disabilities by application of yoga movement therapy. My research has aimed to find out if an intensive week-long programme of yoga relaxation exercises can lead to improvement of fine motor skills, mobility, and the overall physical condition of mentally-disabled people of the 1st to 3rd level of disability. The research was conducted during the week-long school stay in nature. The participants were tested both the first and last day of their stay. The research sample was composed of six women and four men from the school for persons with special needs in Česke Budějovice. The methods utilised during the research were direct observation, evaluation and questioning to detect changes in indicators of physical condition and fine motor skills (including grasping reflexes of participants and familiarisation with new expressions). The results show positive change in these indicators. The therapy regimen resulted in the improvement in movement coordination, fine subtle skills of arms in everyday{\crq}s patient{\crq}s self-care activities; and the positive influence of yoga was also observed on psychological well-being of participants. The research project was beneficial for the participants and can serve as a model for further utilisation in the field applications of yoga exercises for people with mental disabilities