Wingate anaerobic test of boys with and without intellectual disability

The aim of the study was to provide conlparative information on WingateAnaerobic Test (WAnT) variables in boys with intellectual disability (ID) and without ID. Nineteen boys with ID (age: 15.5 ± 1.0 yrs; body mass: 47.4 ± 12.6 kg; stature: 1.59 ± 0.07 m; body fat: 19.3 ± 9.2 %), with appropriate consent, from two Movement, for the Intellectual Disability of Singapore (MINDS) schools participated in the study. The IQ range for boys with ID was between 30-50 (i.e. moderate ID). Another group of 20 boys without ID (age: 15.4 ± 0.4 yrs; body mass: 57.9 ± 11.8 kg; stature: 1.69 ± 0.07 m; body fat: 17.0 ± 7.0 %) from a secondary school also participated in the study. The subjects' body composition was determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Both cohorts of boys each performed and completed two 30-second WAnTs. A two-minute post exercise blood sample was also obtained using the finger stick method, and was subsequently analysed for whole blood lactate concentration [BL]. Results of the test-retest computations for peak and mean power, and for indicators of reliability, agreement and variation are summarised in tabular form. The study showed that with appropriate guidance, encouragement and habituation, boys with ID were able to perform the WAnT without any dire consequences and with reasonable levels of reliability and agreement. Boys without ID had higher PP, MP and BL concentration than boys with ID. The best predictors for the WAnT performance variables were formulated for both populations. Future studies should look into the appropriate training programmes to improve the anaerobic performances of boys with ID. Future studies also need to include individuals with ID of different ages, gender and level of ID if a more complete understanding of this population is to be obtained.