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Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a plyometric training program designed to enhance agility, speed, and social interaction among boys with mild intellectual disability (ID) aged 10-12, within the Special Olympics framework. Participants: Thirty-two boys (mean age = 10.69 0.8 years; mean IQ = 61 7) from three inclusive education centers participated in the study. Methods: The intervention consisted of a 10-week plyometric training program, conducted twice a week. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included the Reaction Time Test, 4-Corner Agility Test, 10-Meter Speed Run, 4x5 Meter Relay Test, and the Friendship Activity Scale (FAS). Results: The study found significant improvements across all measures. Reaction time decreased by 0.83 seconds (t = 7.44, p 0.001), 4-corner agility improved by 0.77 seconds (t = 11.93, p 0.001), 4x5 meter speed improved by 0.61 m/s (t = 17.37, p 0.001), and 10-meter run speed improved by 1.55 m/s (t = -12.76, p 0.001). Additionally, the FAS score increased by 0.81 points (t = 9.59, p 0.001), indicating enhanced social interactions. Conclusion: The plyometric training program significantly improved agility, speed, and social interaction in children with mild ID, demonstrating the effectiveness of inclusive, adaptive physical education strategies within the Special Olympics framework.
Ștefănică et al. (Fri,) studied this question.