Analysis of the influence of A twelve-month swimming exercise on mentally disabled individuals' physical fitness level

In this paper it was aimed to analyse influence of a twelve-month swimming exercise on mentally disabled individuals' physical fitness level. Mild mentally disabled individuals between 14-19 age group (10 girls - 18 boys) form the sample group. Experimental group consists of 15 mild disabled students between 14-19 age group (7 girls, 8 boys) and control group includes 13 mild disabled students between 14-19 age groups (3 girls, 10 boys). Swimming program was applied in period of 12 weeks as, 3 days in a week and 60 minutes a day. Brockport Physical Fitness Test was applied to the participants before and after the swimming program. In comparisons, by taking into consideration = 0.05 significance level, t-test for each independent group was applied in order to identify age and height values. Parameter distribution was tested by Shapiro-Wilk normality test (n<50). In all parameters time dependent change was tested by Analysis of Variance method. In the paper, according to the results of the iterative measurements analysis of variance, while there was no statistically significant difference between measurements of body weight, body-mass index, sit- reach elasticity, right shoulder elasticity, left hand grip stiff arm, stiff arm hung on groups, and measurements (pre-test – post-test) and between groups and their measurements (p>0.05), statistically significant difference was found in body fat percentage values between groups, measurements, (pre-test – post-test) and groups and their measurements (p<0.05). There was statistically no significant difference between left shoulder elasticity, vertical leap, leg strength, left hand grip groups, and groups and their measurements (p>0.05), but statistically important difference between measurements (pre-test – post-test) (p<0.05) was determined. When Isometric push-up and 1 mile jogging and running values were analysed, it was noticed that statistically there was no striking difference between groups, measurements (pre-test- post-test) (p>0.05), there was statistically meaningful difference between groups and their measurements (p<0.05). When modified sit-up values were analysed, statistically no significant difference was observed between groups (p>0.05), but statistically there was important difference between measurements, groups and their measurements (p<0.05). Consequently, it is necessary to apply new exercise programs and revise existing exercise programs while studying with disabled individuals. Regulary applied training programmes and exercises can improve life quality level of disabled individuals by contributing to their physical and motor development. Keywords: Mental Retardation, Physical Fitness, Swimming, Exercise.