Functional improvement and social participation through sports activity for children with mental retardation: a field study from a developing nation

Background: While the positive effect of sports and exercise on physical and psychological well being is well documented within the general population, the effects of sports on the functional ability of a child with mental retardation are limited. Objectives: To determine if sports activities have been detrimental in improving functional ability in sample of children with mental retardation based in Kolkata, a metropolis in India. Study Design: Field level study. Methods: Six sports associations registered under the Sports Authority of India for training children with mental retardation were shortlisted on the basis of four criteria. From the register, every third name (gender irrespective) belonging to the second (12-15 years) and third (15-21 years) subclasses (out of the four categories laid down in the Special Olympics participation rules) against a constraint of at least two years active attendance in the sports facility for the child was selected. A sample of 31 children was drawn and the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) 12-item version was administered to the caregiver-teacher-coach team of the sample. Relative changes in scores between the point when the survey was conducted and the point when the child joined the sports facility was used as the dependent variable for regression analysis. The number of years in active sports, in school age of the respondent and base score of the children when they joined school were the independent variables. Results: For seven of the WHODAS 2.0 12-item attributes, the number of years in sports activities was found to have a statistically significant effect (p < 0.01) on the functional well being of children with mild to moderate mental retardation. The number of years in school was also another statistically significant factor (p < 0.01) responsible for this improvement. The children, however, perceived of being not welcome in community activities, but participated in activities meant exclusively for them. Conclusions: This small study showed that the proposition that number of years in sports activities was a significant factor responsible for improving the functioning of children with mild to moderate mental retardation. Clinical relevance WHODAS 2.0 12-item version has been a useful tool to monitor the effect of intervention (sports activity in this case) on the functional abilities of children with mild to moderate mental retardation. From a developing nation perspective with people with disabilities having very limited access to rehabilitation, this study would find its clinical relevance in the use of sports as an inexpensive and indigenous rehabilitative measure to promote the health and well being of people with disabilities as proposed in community-based rehabilitation guidelines (2010).