EFFECTS OF AN AEROBIC EXERCISE PROGRAM ON COMMUNITY-BASED ADULTS WITHMENTAL-RETARDATION

Effects of a 10-week aerobic exercise program on maximal oxygen consum ption (VO2 max), oxygen pulse (O2 pulse), maximum ventilation (max ven t), exercise stress test duration (max time), flexibility, weight and body composition (percentage body fat, percentage lean mass, and perce ntage body water) were investigated in 14 community-based adults with mental retardation. Supervised optional training sessions were held 4 days per week. Subjects were assessed for VO2 max, O2 pulse, max vent, and max time before and after the training program. Flexibility, weig ht, and body composition changes were assessed before, midway through, and after the training program. Subjects had a 91.3% attendance rate, and all safely completed the program. The treatment produced signific ant increases in VO2max, O2 pulse, max vent, max time, and flexibility . However, no significant change was observed in weight or body compos ition changes.