SELF-DIRECTED STRENGTH TRAINING - ITS EFFECT ON LEG STRENGTH IN MEN WITH MENTAL-RETARDATION

Objective: To compare isokinetic measures of peak torque (newton-meter s) and total work (joules) in men with mental retardation on a test of knee extension after 12 weeks of trainer-directed training and 1 year of self-directed training. Design: Repeated measures of analysis of v ariance using a planned comparison approach involving an independent 2 x 3 (group X test) design. Setting: Subjects were tested at a univers ity athletic training facility on three separate days. Subjects: Volun teer sample of 12 subjects with mental retardation: 6 in strength trai ning group, 6 in control group. Intervention: Subjects performed an is okinetic knee extension test at a velocity of 60 degrees/sec on three separate days. Test 1 was the pretest, test 2 was conducted after 12 w eeks of trainer-directed hydraulic resistance training, and test 3 was conducted after 1 year of self-directed hydraulic resistance training . Results: For both isokinetic parameters measured, the strength-train ed subjects demonstrated significantly higher scores after 12 weeks of training and after 1 year of training than the scores achieved on the pretest. No significant differences in peak torque or total work scor es were found between test 2 and test 3 scores for the strength-traine d group. No significant changes in isokinetic scores between test sess ions were found for the control subjects. Conclusion: Men with mental retardation can maintain strength following a self-directed hydraulic resistance strength training program. (C) 1998 by the American Congres s of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medi cine and Rehabilitation.