Comparative analysis of the results of coordination readiness of children with mental retardation in the process of implementing adaptive swimming programs

materials and methods: this study utilized materials from a preliminary pedagogical experiment conducted by a Vladivostok State University instructor at the Prometey Sports School, a municipal state institution of supplementary education in the Artemovsky Urban District of Primorsky Krai, from September 2022 to August 2023. Three experimental adaptive swimming training programs for children with mild mental retardation were developed: Program 1 – an adaptive swimming training program incorporating elements of water polo; Program 2 – an adaptive swimming training program incorporating elements of freediving; and Program 3 – an adaptive swimming training program incorporating elements of aqua aerobics. These programs were aimed at developing the coordination skills and swimming proficiency of primary school-aged children with mild mental retardation. Results. A preliminary pedagogical experiment revealed that a program with elements of water polo had the greatest impact on the development of spatial orientation and the differentiation of muscular effort; a program with elements of aqua aerobics contributed to improved rhythm reproduction and balance; and spatial orientation also significantly improved with a program with elements of freediving. Conclusion. This article explores the need to incorporate elements of water polo, freediving, and aqua aerobics into the process of teaching swimming and developing the coordination skills of children with mental retardation.

mental retardation, coordination skills, adaptive swimming, freediving, water polo, aqua aerobics