Effects of Aqua Exercise Program on the improvement of Static Balance in Child with Mental Retardation

수중 운동 프로그램이 정신지체아동의 정적 평형에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of aqua exercise program on the static balance of child with mental retardation. The subjects were seven male child and three female child with mental retardation(age ranges from 5 to 6). The subjects were practiced with focusing on the aqua exercise program for 8 weeks, from 7, January 2003 to 28, February 2003. The results of this study were as follows : 1. After the exercise program, the balance of double-stance by BPM was significantly reduced of lateral sway number by $12.2\%$(P<.01) with eyes obstruct. 2. After the exercise program, the balance of double-stance by BPM was significantly reduced of anterior and posterior sway number of left leg by $8.5\%$(P<.05) with eyes obstruct. 3. After the exercise program, the balance of double-stance by BPM was significantly reduced of anterior and posterior sway number of right leg by $8.3\%$(P<.05) with eyes obstruct. 4. After the exercise program, the balance of double-stance by BPM was significantly reduced of lateral sway number by $13.2\%$(P<.01) with eyes open. 5. After the exercise program, the balance of double-stance by BPM was significantly reduced of anterior and posterior sway number of left leg by $10.3\%$(P<.05) with eyes open. 6. After the exercise program, the balance of double-stance by BPM was significantly reduced of anterior and posterior sway number of right leg by $10.3\%$(P<.01) with eyes open. As we can see the results of this study, the aqua exercise program improved the static balance of child with mental retardation. Futhermore, it is reasonable program that can improvability of static balance for the children with mental retardation using aqua exercise program. And then it is necessary to develop much better program than now for the children with mental retardation's health and to provide the adequate pool for their aqua exercise.