A weight reducing curriculum for trainable mentally retarded students

Abstract

Includes bibliographical references (pages 108-121)

The purpose of this study was (1) to develop guidelines for a weight reducing curriculum for the Trainable Mentally Retarded, and (2) to provide a sampling of instructional materials and procedures which can be employed in a weight reducing program. Data were collected by reviewing related literature in the following areas: exercise physiology, nutrition, learning theory for the retarded, psychology of obesity, existing weight reducing curricula for normal students, and curriculum development. A diagnosis of the needs of the obese retarded, a formulation of the objectives of the curriculum, a selection of the content and organization of the curriculum were undertaken after appropriate data were collected. Guidelines are presented for the selection of the learning experiences, the organization of learning experiences, and the determination of what to evaluate and the evaluation methods. Model learning experiences are presented, along with model evaluation protocols. Four themes were consistently delineated in the literature for the treatment of obesity, and were included in this curriculum as objectives: Daily exercise to increase caloric expenditure. 2. Nutrition education. 3. Control of overeating. 4. Motivation and behavior modification. The author suggests the following recommendations for further investigation in this area: 1. Testing of the fundamental principles proposed in the curriculum. 2. Research relating to the physiological capacities of the Trainable Mentally Retarded. 3. The development of a methodology to assess body composition from anthropometric measures for both males and females.