The Effect of Rhythmic Body Percussion Exercises on Enjoyment of Physical Activity and Executive Function in Girls Aged 10-12 Years with Educable Intellectual Disability
Keywords:
Body percussion, Executive function, Enjoyment of physical activity, Intellectual disability, Children, Adapted physical activityAbstract
This quasi-experimental study examined the effect of rhythmic body percussion exercises on enjoyment of physical activity and executive function in girls aged 10-12 years with educable intellectual disability. The study used a pretest-posttest control-group design. Twenty-six eligible students from exceptional elementary schools in Dezful, Iran, during the 2023-2024 academic year were selected purposefully and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 13) and a control group (n = 13). Enjoyment of physical activity was assessed using the Moore et al. questionnaire, and executive function was assessed using the Tower of London test. The experimental group completed an 18-session body percussion program over six weeks, with three 45-minute sessions per week, whereas the control group continued its usual daily routine. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance at the 0.05 significance level. After adjustment for pretest scores, significant between-group differences were observed in posttest enjoyment of physical activity and executive function (p < 0.001). Because baseline differences between groups were considerable and adjusted means were not available in the initial statistical output, the findings should be interpreted as preliminary evidence rather than as definitive proof of effectiveness. Body percussion exercises may be a low-cost, group-based, and feasible activity for special schools and rehabilitation settings; however, larger studies with active control groups and follow-up assessments are required.
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