EXERCISE AND SPORTS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL-DISABILITIES - POSITIVE PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOSOCIAL EFFECTS

This article reviews findings to date on the effects of exercise and s ports in children and adolescents with developmental disabilities. Alt hough much work remains, exercise and sports are associated with reduc ed maladaptive behavior in children with disabilities, as well as with improved physical fitness, self-esteem, and social competence. Improv ed physical and psychosocial functioning are found in studies of both children and adults with mental retardation, as well. as in research o n athletes enrolled in Special Olympics International, the largest rec reational sport program in the world for persons with developmental di sabilities. The review ends with recommendations for promoting recreat ion and sports in children and adolescents with disabilities.