Physical activity in obese students with mental retardation : An attempt to increase the number of steps at school

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the level of physical activity in obese students with mental retardation at school, and to increase their level of physical activity. Research Methods and Procedures: The subjects were twenty-one obese students with mental retardation (8 boys and 13 girls; mean age: 15.8±0.9). Students were monitored between the months of September and November, 2005. The level of physical activity was evaluated by counting their steps during physical activity with a calorie counter (Lifecorder; Suzuken Co., Nagoya, Japan). We decided on a target of daily physical activity for each subject using measurements obtained in September, and used this as a base from which to increase the level of physical activity in subsequent months. Results and Discussion: The number of steps taken during physical activity at school by an obese student with mental retardation in September was 5924±2427.The number of steps recorded in October (6,580±3,098, P<0.01) and November (6,483±2,956, P