Dynamics of sports performance and coordination abilities in a female swimmer with intellectual disability during long-term training in the Special Olympics program

The purpose of the study is to assess the effectiveness of long-term sports training of a female swimmer with moderate intellectual disability (imbecility) within the framework of the Special Olympics program and to identify the dynamics of motor activity indicators and coordination abilities. Research methods and organization. The case analysis method was used, including the analysis of competition protocols of the All-Russian Special Olympics in swimming (2023–2025), pedagogical observation, timing, the method of strictly regulated exercises, the competitive method, and the Romberg test (heel-to-toe). The study involved an athlete born in 2004 diagnosed with "oligophrenia of the imbecile degree" (F71), engaged in adaptive swimming at the State Budgetary Institution of the Penza Region Specialized Children and Youth Sports School. Research results and conclusions. It has been established that over three years of training under the Special Olympics program, the athlete demonstrated a significant improvement in performance at distances of 25 meters (breaststroke, backstroke) and mastered the 50-meter breaststroke distance. The time of maintaining balance in the Romberg test increased from 10 to 15 seconds. A reduction in anxiety, improved comprehension of instructions, and better social adaptation in competitive settings were noted. The obtained data confirm the high corrective and developmental potential of adaptive swimming and the advisability of using strictly regulated exercise and competitive methods in working with individuals with intellectual disabilities.