Motor and Social Responses of Down Syndrome Children in Adaptive Tennis Training
Keywords:
Adaptive tennis, Down syndrome, Motor development, Participant observation, Social interactionAbstract
This study aims to explore the involvement of children with Down Syndrome in adaptive tennis training sessions through a descriptive qualitative approach. The method used is direct participatory observation during the training program for two weeks, with a frequency of twice a week. The subjects of the study consisted of children aged 6 to 14 years. Data were collected through structured observation sheets, field notes, video documentation, and light interviews with coaches and parents. The focus of observation was directed at two main aspects, namely motor aspects (coordination, balance, strength, agility, and response to instructions) and social aspects (interaction with coaches and peers, emotional expression, and participation in groups). The observation instrument was developed based on motor development literature such as Life Span Motor Development (Haywood, 2014) and Understanding Motor Development (Gallahue, 2012), with an assessment scale. The results of the study indicate that adaptive tennis training can facilitate the improvement of gross motor skills and social abilities of children with Down Syndrome. This study recommends the use of a similar model in adaptive tennis training activities in clubs, schools and communities.
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