Classroom Research Leads to Physical Fitness for Retarded Youth

It was the purpose of this study to examine the effects of three specific motivations on the psychomotor functions of 20 children in a prevocational unit of special education in Amarillo, Texas. The effects were measured by a pretest and posttest battery given over a five month interval. The instruments used were the WISC, National Youth Fitness Tests, and the Practical Dexterity Board Test. The results supported the hypothesis that a structured program of physical education combined with four specific techniques of psychoeducational therapy would improve the psychomotor function, physical condition, and social behavior of mildly retarded adolescents.