A Construction of Physical Exercises Program at Home to Improve Physical and Mental Development for the Children with Mental Retardation

Abstract

Background and Aim: The Fifth Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee issued the outline of the Healthy China 2030 plan, and the health problem of the disabled was put forward as one of the key problems to be solved. According to our world in data 2016, there were about 11 million men and 8 million women with children with mental retardation in our country. The incidence of children with mental retardation in our country ranks first among five major countries in the world. Studies had shown that the incidence of overweight and obesity in children with mental retardation was significantly higher than that of normal peers. Coupled with limited intellectual ability, sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise, lack of social support related to physical exercise, and other factors, being overweight and obese had a great impact on the physical, psychological, and social functions of children with mental retardation, and this impact may continue into adulthood, posing a serious threat to physical and mental health. Therefore, how to promote physical exercises for children with mental retardation, to promote their physical and mental health has become one of the important topics paid attention to by the researchers.

Materials and Methods: Some 31experts participated in this study, divided into three groups: the first group consisted of 7 experts who conducted expert interviews; the second group organized 19 experts who used the Delphi method to conduct argumentation; and the third group consisted of 7 experts who appreciated the method. Researched process :(1) Collecting literature; (2) Organizing expert interviews. The influencing factors and environment of family exercises for children were discussed, 191 movements were designed and screened, and the content system of movements for home physical exercises was initially constructed. (3) 19 experts were selected by purposeful sampling method, and three rounds of the questionnaire were used to verify the index system by Delphi method; (4) Verify physical exercises program through connoisseurship; (5) Develop and implement physical exercise programs at home to meet the different psychological needs.

Result: (1) The content index system of family physical exercise for children with mental retardation was preliminarily established, including 191 action indicators；(2) after two rounds of validation of the expert's Delphi questionnaire, 2 level 2 indicators of the warm-up module and 11 level 3 indicators of physical exercise module were excluded. The mean value of the remaining indicators was >3.5 and CV<0.25, and other indicators were retained; (3) after the connoisseurship by seven experts, the indicator system was finalized, including 3 first-level indicators and 22 second-level indicators in the warm-up module. 5 level 1 indicators, 17 level 2 indicators, and 135 level 3 indicators for the physical exercise module. 3 level 1 indicators and 21 level 2 indicators for the relaxation and stretching module; (4) prepare 5 physical exercise programs with different psychological needs, and practice them.

Conclusion: (1) Starting from the individual level, interpersonal level, and community level, this project highlighted the core status of the children, paid attention to the interaction form and environment maintenance at the community level, and promoted the development of children's sports desire and psychomotor needs. (2) The program cleverly combines professionalism and practicality, ensuring that children with different needs can find the right speed and type of exercise for them at home. Through this program, children with mental retardation cannot only enjoy tailored exercise programs but also receive ongoing motivation and support in interaction and innovation, making health and vitality a goal within reach of every family with exceptional children.