Developing Psychomotor Skills and Social Attributes Through Integrated Psychomotor and Unified Football Training: A Special Olympics Intervention Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18662/rrem/16.3/892Keywords:
Friendship Activity Scale scores, static balance, dynamic balance, pulse processing speed, identified stimuliAbstract
This research investigates the combined effects of a tailored psychomotor development training and Unified Sports football program on psychomotor abilities and social attributes among Special Olympics athletes with intellectual disabilities aged 16-18 in Romania. The study aims to assess the impact of the integrated psychomotor and Unified Football training program on the psychomotor abilities of youth Special Olympics athletes with intellectual disabilities, evaluate the influence of the intervention on their social attributes, and examine the relationship between psychomotor abilities and social attributes among participants. The findings indicate significant improvements in psychomotor skills, including Static Balance (t = -8.042, p < 0.001), Identified Stimuli (t = -7.000, p < 0.001), and Friendship Activity Scale scores (t = -8.990, p < 0.001), reflecting substantial enhancements from initial to final testing. Moreover, Pulse Processing Speed showed a significant improvement (t = -2.299, p = 0.042). However, while Dynamic Balance exhibited a negative t-value (t = -2.021), the p-value of 0.068 indicates a marginally significant improvement. These results suggest notable advancements in psychomotor skills and social interaction among Special Olympics athletes, underscoring the effectiveness of the integrated training program. The implications of these findings extend to coaches and practitioners involved in designing tailored training programs aimed at enhancing psychomotor and social skills among athletes with intellectual disabilities.
References
Aharoni, H. (2005). Adapted physical activities for the intellectually challenged adolescent: psychomotor characteristics and implications for programming and motor intervention. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, 17(1), 33–47. https://doi.org/10.1515/ijamh.2005.17.1.33
Ahmedova, A., & Belomazheva-Dimitrova, S. (2021). Development of Speed and Speed Reaction in Paralympic Swimmers. Journal Pedagogical Almanac, 31 (2), 276-281 https://doi.org/10.54664/BUEQ2474
Aksović, N., Dobrescu, T., Bubanj, S., Bjelica, B., Milanović, F., Kocić, M., Zelenović, M., Radenković, M., Nurkić, F., Nikolić, D., Marković, J., Tomović, M., & Vulpe, A. M. (2023). Sports games and motor skills in children, adolescents and youth with intellectual disabilities. Children (Basel, Switzerland), 10(6), 912. https://doi.org/10.3390/children10060912
Alonso-Sardón, M., Iglesias-de-Sena, H., Fernández-Martín, L. C., & Mirón-Canelo, J. A. (2019). Do health and social support and personal autonomy have an influence on the health-related quality of life of individuals with intellectual disability?. BMC Health Services Research, 19(1), 63. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-018-3856-5
Baran, F., Aktop, A., Özer, D., Nalbant, S., Ağlamış, E., Barak, S., & Hutzler, Y. (2013). The effects of a Special Olympics Unified Sports Soccer training program on anthropometry, physical fitness and skilled performance in Special Olympics soccer athletes and non-disabled partners. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 34(1), 695–709. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2012.10.003
Baran, F., Top, E., Aktop, A., Özer, D., & Nalbant, S. (2009). Evaluation of a unified football program by special olympics athletes, partners, parents, and coaches. European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity, 2(1). https://eujapa.upol.cz/pdfs/euj/2009/01/03.pdf
Biddle, S. J., & Asare, M. (2011). Physical activity and mental health in children and adolescents: a review of reviews. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 45(11), 886–895. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2011-090185
Blandul, V. (2009). Interrelations between the psychic and physical characteristics of mentally disabled sportsmen. Problems of Education in the 21st Century, 13, 19-24, ICID: 888499. http://oaji.net/articles/2014/457-1393666010.pdf
Ciocan, D. M., Alexe, D. I., & Mareş, G. (2016). The role of Special Olympics program on developing motor and social skills for individuals with Down syndrome. Ovidius University Annals, Series Physical Education & Sport/Science, Movement & Health, 16(2), 156-163. https://paradesporto.unifesp.br/repositorio/trabalhos/1525d6b1e715ef7527fee989ce5c2eb3ceae5.pdf
Cipu, E. C., & Dragnea, C. (2007). Life tables for Romania survival function. Life expectancy for romanian people. University Politehnica of Bucharest Scientific Bulletin-series A-Applied Mathematics and Physics, 69(1), 27-36. https://www.scientificbulletin.upb.ro/rev_docs_arhiva/full77186.pdf
Ferrer-Uris, B., Ramos, M. A., Busquets, A., & Angulo-Barroso, R. (2022). Can exercise shape your brain? A review of aerobic exercise effects on cognitive function and neuro-physiological underpinning mechanisms. AIMS neuroscience, 9(2), 150–174. https://doi.org/10.3934/Neuroscience.2022009
Fothergill, M. A., Baik, D., Slater, H. M., & Graham, P. L. (2023). “We’re all the same and we love football.” Experiences of players and facilitators regarding a collaborative, inclusive football program between academy and special Olympics footballers. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 40(4), 687-706. https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.2022-0139
Guidetti, L., Franciosi, E., Gallotta, M. C., Emerenziani, G. P., & Baldari, C. (2010). Could sport specialization influence fitness and health of adults with mental retardation?. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 31(5), 1070–1075. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2010.04.002
Harada, C. M., & Siperstein, G. N. (2009). The sport experience of athletes with intellectual disabilities: A national survey of Special Olympics athletes and their families. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 26(1), 68-85. https://media.specialolympics.org/soi/files/resources/Project_Unify/ProjectUNIFYStudentGuide-V2.2013-Friendly.pdf
Hutzler, Y., & Korsensky, O. (2010). Motivational correlates of physical activity in persons with an intellectual disability: a systematic literature review. Journal of intellectual disability research: JIDR, 54(9), 767–786. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2788.2010.01313.x
Iordache, D. A., Delsanto, P. P., & Apostol, I. (2010). Identification attempt of the main stages of human being growth and of universe evolution. Scientific Bulletin-University Politehnica of Bucharest, Series A “Applied Sciences, 72(3). www.scientificbulletin.upb.ro/rev_docs_arhiva/full5868.pdf
Khoo, S., & Engelhorn, R. (2011). Volunteer motivations at a national Special Olympics event. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 28(1), 27–39. https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.28.1.27
Killaspy, H., Harvey, C., Brasier, C., Brophy, L., Ennals, P., Fletcher, J., & Hamilton, B. (2022). Community-based social interventions for people with severe mental illness: a systematic review and narrative synthesis of recent evidence. World Psychiatry, 21(1), 96-123. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20940
Kontautienė, V., & Vilkas, A. (2014). Development of physical and self-control abilities of junior schoolchildren (10–11 years old). Baltic Journal of Sport and Health Sciences, 3(94), p. 31-39. https://www.lituanistika.lt/content/67947
Leonte, N., Drăgulin, I., Pricop, A., Becea, L., Popescu, O., & Netolitzchi, M. (2014). Research regarding the influences of the human motricity on the emotional intelligence. Applied Mechanics and Materials, 555, 609–615. https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.555.609
Lin, Y., Mutz, J., Clough, P. J., & Papageorgiou, K. A. (2017). Mental toughness and individual differences in learning, educational and work performance, psychological well-being, and personality: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 258950. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01345
Louw, J. S., Kirkpatrick, B., & Leader, G. (2020). Enhancing social inclusion of young adults with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review of original empirical studies. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 33(5), 793-807. https://doi.org/10.1111/jar.12678
Mateescu, A. (2019). Elaboration and systematization of the means according to the nature of the muscular contraction and biomechanical analysis of the main interactions. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 19, 2223-2229.https://www.efsupit.ro/images/stories/november2019/Art%20334.pdf
Muhammed Al-Kassab, M. (2022). The use of one sample t-test in the real data. Journal of Advances in Mathematics, 21, 134–138. https://doi.org/10.24297/jam.v21i.9279
Muntean, R.I., & Oravitan, M. (2022). Revisión sistemática del impacto de la actividad física en los síntomas de depresión y ansiedad. Journal of Physical Education and Human Movement, 4(2), 61–68. https://doi.org/10.24310/JPEHMjpehmjpehm.v4i215703
Muntean, R.I., Stefanica, V., Ursu, V.E., Rusu, R.G., Man, C.M., Tomuş, A.M., Tomuş, A.M., Fleancu, J.L., Radu, P.O., Neamtu – Popescu, A., Roşu, D. (2023). The impact of HVLA manipulations and therapeutic massage in increasing the mobility of the lateral flexion of the neck. BRAIN. Broad Research in Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience, 14(4), 266-291. https://doi.org/10.18662/brain/14.4/505
Ninot, G., & Maïano, C. (2007). Long-term effects of athletics meet on the perceived competence of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 28(2), 176-186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2006.02.008
Özer, D., Baran, F., Aktop, A., Nalbant, S., Ağlamış, E., & Hutzler, Y. S. W. A. I. (2012). Effects of a Special Olympics Unified Sports soccer program on psycho-social attributes of youth with and without intellectual disability. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 33(1), 229-239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2011.09.011
Pătrăşcan, G . & Stefanica, V. (2019). Developing strength and speed in children with special educational needs aged 16–18 in order to optimise adapted football game. Discobolul - School of Physical Education, Sport and Kinesiotherapy, XV, 1(55), 23-28. https://discobolulunefs.ro/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Discobolul-No.-55-March-2019.pdf#page=21
Pătrăşcan, G., & Stefanica, V. (2018). Drawing up an institutional development project–unified football in 7. Discobolul, 4(54), 52-56.
Perić, D. B., Milićević-Marinković, B., & Djurović, D. (2022). The effect of the adapted soccer programme on motor learning and psychosocial behaviour in adolescents with Down syndrome. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 66(6), 533-544. https://doi.org/10.1111/jir.12881
Phytanza, D. T. P., Burhaein, E., Sukoco, S., & Ghautama, S. W. (2018). Life skill dimension based on Unified Sports soccer program in physical education of intellectual disability. Yaşam Becerileri Psikoloji Dergisi, 2(4), 199–205. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.31461/ybpd.453865
Raţă, B. C., Raţă, M., & Raţă, G. (2020). The influence of exercises in athletics on teaching speed and coordination in 7-8-year-old children. Gymnasium, 21(2), 5-24. https://doi.org/10.29081/gsjesh.2020.21.2.01
Rosu, D., Enache, I-S., Muntean, R-I., Stefanica, V. (2024). Effects of Kin Ball initiation: Pre- and post-pandemic impact on palmar muscle strength, endurance, and coordination in non-athlete participants. Sport, 12(6):158. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12060158
Roşu, D., Cojanu, F., Vişan, P.-F., Samarescu, N., Ene, M.A., Muntean, R.-I., Ursu, V.E.(2024). Structured program for developing the psychomotor skills of institutionalized children with special educational needs. Children, 11, 102. https://doi.org/10.3390/children11010102
Special Olympics. (2013). Special Olympics unified sports: a student’s guide. https://media.specialolympics.org/resources/community-building/youth-and-school/unified-champion-schools/Unified-Sports-A-Student-Guide.pdf
Stefanica, V., Mihai, I., Cojanu, F., Vişan, P.-F., Roşu, D., Potop, V. (2024). Determining the changes in psychomotor behavior of adolescents with special needs. Revista Românească pentru Educaţie Multidimensională, 16(1), 46-70. https://doi.org/10.18662/rrem/16.1/811
Ursu, V. E., Rusu, R. G., Rusu, O. H. (2022). Primary selection in football and the role of small-sided games in the training of 12-14-year-old children. Risoprint Publishing House
Van Biesen, D., Burns, J., Mactavish, J., Van de Vliet, P., & Vanlandewijck, Y. (2021). Conceptual model of sport-specific classification for para-athletes with intellectual impairment. Journal of Sports Sciences, 39(sup1), 19-29. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2021.1881280
Xiao, R., Xu, P., Liang, X. L., Zou, Z., Zhong, J. G., Xiang, M. Q., & Hou, X. H. (2024). Effects of the special olympics unified sports soccer training program on executive function in adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Exercise Science & Fitness, 22(2), 103-110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesf.2023.12.006
Zhang, L., Zhu, X., Haegele, J. A., Wang, D., & Wu, X. (2021). Effects of a one-year physical activity intervention on fundamental movement skills of boys with severe intellectual disabilities. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 114, 103980. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103980
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 The Authors & LUMEN Publishing House
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant this journalright of first publication, with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work, with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g. post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g. in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as an earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
Revista Romaneasca pentru Educatie Multidimensionala Journal has an Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs
CC BY-NC-ND