Six weeks of therapeutic exercise program improves locomotor of intellectual disability

Introduction: Locomotor skills in individuals with intellectual disabilities are often underdeveloped, affecting their functional independence and quality of life. Physical exercise programs, particularly those that are therapeutic and structured, are increasingly recognized as effective interventions to address these deficits. Objective: The study investigated the effect of six weeks of therapeutic exercise program to improve locomotor of intellectual disability Methodology: A quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test was employed. Eight students with intellectual disabilities voluntarily participated in the study, with informed consent obtained from their parents. The intervention consisted of six weeks of structured exercises (plank, sit-ups, push-ups, skipping, and jumping jacks), conducted three times per week for 60 minutes per session. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and independent t-tests, with a significance level set at p < 0.05 and effect size measured using Cohen’s d. Discussion: Significant improvements were observed in jumping (t = -2.979, p = 0.021, d = -1.053), push-ups (p = 0.041), and plank (p = 0.041) after the intervention. No significant differences were found between males and females (p > 0.05). The results highlight the program's effectiveness in enhancing locomotor performance and core strength in students with intellectual disabilities. Conclusion: The six-week therapeutic exercise program proved effective in improving locomotor abilities, particularly jumping and core strength, among students with intellectual disabilities. Regular, simple physical activities are recommended to support continuous development and injury prevention in this population.