Abstract:

In this study, it was aimed to investigate whether physical education and sports activities affected psychological adaptation levels of children with Down syndrome. Participants aged between 07 and 18 years were randomly assigned to the experimental group and the control group with the condition of equal distribution in terms of mental retardation level and while the experimental group participated in the physical activity program for 2 weeks and 1 hour per day for 16 weeks, the control group did not participate in any activity during this period. In the study physical education and sport activities were used as examples of “daily program principles”. In the experimental group there were 7 boys and 3 girls and in the same way there were 7 boys and 3 girls in control group. The age mean of 10 children with down syndrome in experimental group were determined as 13,20±2,251, the age age mean of 10 children with down syndrome in control group were determined as 12,30±2,710. There are no significant differences in the subscales of Hacettepe Psychological Adjustment Levels of the groups (Neurotic Problem, Behavior Problems, Other behavior problems) and total scale score means (p<0,05). It was determined a significant difference in Hacettepe Psychological Adjustment Level subheadings (Neurotic Issues, Behavioral Problems, Other Behavioral Problems) and total scale scores after the physical education and sport activities in experimental group. In conclusion, it can be said that, 16 weeks of physical education and sport activities that applied to children with down syndrome, made a significant decrease in “Neurotic problems, behavioral problems, other problems” and total scale scores.

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