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Exercise programmes in the treatment of children with learning disabilities
M H Bluechardt1, J Wiener, R J Shephard
1Faculty of Physical Activity Studies, University of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.)
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Physical activity programs with social skills training show limited educational benefits for children with learning disabilities. However, exercise offers significant long-term health advantages.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Sports Science
Background:
- Learning disability is defined by a gap between academic achievement and intellectual ability.
- Children with learning disabilities often exhibit impaired motor proficiency, potentially leading to social exclusion and reduced self-worth.
- Previous interventions to improve motor skills in these children have been unsuccessful.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of structured physical activity programs with integrated social skills training for children with learning disabilities.
- To assess the impact of such interventions on motor ability and perceptions of competence.
- To compare the educational efficacy of physical activity-based interventions with traditional academic instruction.
Main Methods:
- A controlled study comparing a physical activity program with social skills training against small-group academic instruction.
- Assessment of motor proficiency using standardized tests like the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency.
- Evaluation of self-perception of physical and academic competence.
Main Results:
- Limited experimental evidence supports physical activity programs enhancing motor ability or self-perception in learning disability.
- Educational outcomes showed no significant difference between physical activity interventions and other forms of special attention.
- No unique impact on learning disability was observed, but exercise offers established health benefits.
Conclusions:
- Structured physical activity programs with social skills training do not demonstrate superior educational benefits for learning disabilities compared to other interventions.
- The primary value of these programs may lie in promoting the general health benefits of exercise.
- Further research is needed to explore alternative or supplementary approaches for addressing the complex needs of children with learning disabilities.