Effects of optimum enduarance training prescription in mentally retarded children

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of optimum endurance training prescription on the aerobic work capacity in mentally retarded children. 8 mentally retarded children (14-17 years) were divided into 2 groups, i. e., the training group and the control group, Theirs IQ scores were ranging from 36-69 on the standard Binet test with a mean of 49. 9. To measurement of ■O2 max, graded exercise test was performed on a bicycle ergometer before and after 8 weeks of training in all subjects. Training groups were trained on bicycle ergometers at a low exercise intensity corresponding to their own ventilatory threshold(VT), 3 times per week and maintained for 50 rpm, 30 min in each session. The HR was continuously monitored throughout the each training session. The results were as follows: 1) After training, % Fat was decreased in the training group (-7.0%) 2) ■O2 max and maximal power output increased in all subjects, but there were no significant difference in the training group and the control group. Although the increment of training group was 9% higher than the control group. 3) The submaximal HR response during bicycle ergometer training showed tendency of decrease as the training progressed. These results suggested that optimum endurance training prescription is effective in improving aerobic work capacity and decreasing body fat in mentally retarded children