Self-directed strength training: its effect on leg strength in men with mental retardation

To compare isokinetic measures of peak torque (newton-meters) and total work (joules) in men with mental retardation on a test of knee extension after 12 weeks of trainer-directed training and 1 year of self-directed training.

Repeated measures of analysis of variance using a planned comparison approach involving an independent 2 x 3 (group x test) design.

Subjects were tested at a university athletic training facility on three separate days.

Volunteer sample of 12 subjects with mental retardation: 6 in strength training group, 6 in control group.

Subjects performed an isokinetic knee extension test at a velocity of 60 degrees/sec on three separate days. Test 1 was the pretest, test 2 was conducted after 12 weeks of trainer-directed hydraulic resistance training, and test 3 was conducted after 1 year of self-directed hydraulic resistance training.

For both isokinetic parameters measured, the strength-trained subjects demonstrated significantly higher scores after 12 weeks of training and after 1 year of training than the scores achieved on the pretest. No significant differences in peak torque or total work scores were found between test 2 and test 3 scores for the strength-trained group. No significant changes in isokinetic scores between test sessions were found for the control subjects.

Men with mental retardation can maintain strength following a self-directed hydraulic resistance strength training program.