A mixed method research on motor performance, physical fitness and teacher opinions in adapted physical education and sport practices of students with intellectual disabilities

The purpose of this study was aimed to examine both the quantitative and qualitative levels of adapted physical education and sports practices in children with intellectual disabilities on motor performance, physical fitness and teachers' opinions, with a mixed methods research. In this research, among real experimental designs, it was approved to use the randomized pre-test and post-test control group design and and semi-structured interviews, one of the data collection tools of the case study research design, were used among the qualitative data acquisition methods. In this research, the study group consists of 27 students, studying at Ağrı/Patnos Special Education Application Center, with moderate intellectual disabilities. 12 of students are girls and 15 of them are boys. The sample group consists of 20 students, studying at the same institution, with intellectual disabilities. 4 girls and 6 boys are in the experimental group and 4 girls and 6 boys are in the control group. In this research, adapted physical education and sports practices program were applied to the experimental group for 24 weeks, and control group was included only in the pre and post tests. The physical fitness parameters of the participants were measured before and after the application and statistical differences were observed. SPSS 22.0 package program was used in the statistical analysis of the research. Mann-Withney U test was used for comparing participants' scores as independent in the research phases and Wilcoxon Signed Rank-test was used for dependent comparisons. After the analysis, a statistically significant positive difference was found in the vertical jump, forward jump, push-up, and sit-up parameters of individuals with ID, while no statistically significant difference was found in the right hand grip strength, left hand grip strength, and back leg strength parameters (p>0.05). Upon reviewing the analysis results, an increase in motor performance average scores was observed in the experimental group. From teacher interviews, the main themes include Participation in Games, Sports, and Physical Activities from the Teacher's Perspective - Viewing Adapted Physical Education - Contribution to Developmental Skills, Attitudes, and Adapted Physical Education Achievements. In conclusion, it was observed that 24 weeks of leisure time activities improved motor skills and physical fitness in individuals with ID. Teachers believe that adapted physical education and sports programs contribute to social skills development, self-discovery, and attention enhancement in individuals with ID. Key Words: Intellectual Disability, Adapted Physical Education, Physical Fitness, Mixed Method