The effect of physical education and sports program on the positive growth and coping strategies of the adolescent with mental retardation

Abstract

This study explored the effect of a 10-week research-based Special Physical Education Program and sports activities on the positive growth and coping strategies of the children with mental retardation. The research group was consisted of 145 children aged between 11 and 13 whose diagnosis were "mental retardation". As a result, it was found out that-compared to the control group-there was an increased difference in the general scores and scores of the all subscales of the positive growth of the adolescent who were in the practice group and did physical education and sports activities regularly. The differences between the groups were significant (P<0.05). Children with special needs do perceive positive change. Sports activities and pysical education was related to the perception of change in positive way.