Physical Fitness of Children with Learning Disabilities

The purpose of this study was to evaluate physical fitness of children with learning disabilities. In this study, 50 male children with ACLD (mean age: 10.5 years old) were compared to 50 other children (control group). Therefore, to recognize those children with learning disabilities, Michael Bost learning disability test was used. AAHPERD standard test was also used to assess physical fitness. Analyses of t-test revealed significantly lower scores in the group with ACLD in cardio-respiratory endurance, flexibility, abdominal strength, and power indexes when compared with the control group (P<0.050). Also, the group with ACLD had a significantly higher body mass index (BMI). These findings have implications for educators and allied health professionals working with this age group. Programs need to teach children with movement difficulties to perform tasks used in fitness assessment and also work on the development of physical fitness.