Brief report: Exploring the benefits of a peer‐tutored physical education programme among high school students with intellectual disability
Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities
Published online on January 29, 2018
Abstract
---
- |2+
Background
The purpose of this study was to explore possible benefits of a peer‐tutored physical education programme (PTPE) in comparison with school physical education (SPE) in high school students with intellectual disability.
Method
Nineteen students with intellectual disabilities (15 boys, mean age 17.4 ± 1.7 years) were monitored during three PTPE and three SPE classes. A factorial RM‐ANOVA was used to test differences on objective measured physical activity (PA), enjoyment and exertion during the two conditions, considering participants’ weight condition as independent factor.
Results
During PTPE, participants reported higher light intensity PA, enjoyment and exertion than during SPE. Participants with overweight showed less inactive time and higher light intensity PA during PTPE than during SPE.
Conclusions
The peer‐tutored programme was beneficial for adolescents with intellectual disability, particularly for those in overweight condition. The higher enjoyment found during PTPE may encourage exercise participation of students with intellectual disability.
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, Volume 31, Issue 5, Page
937-941, September 2018.