A Pre- Experimental Study to Evaluate The Effectiveness of Rhythmic Movement games on motor Functioning among Mentally Challenged Children (IQ 50-75) in Navjivini School of Special Education District Patiala, Punjab

Mental retardation can be caused by any condition that impairs development of the brain before birth, during birth, or in childhood years. Several hundred causes have been discovered, but the cause affecting one-third of the people remains unknown. The data was collected in the month of January 2017. The study was conducted in Navjivini school of special education district Patiala, Punjab. Permission was taken from the principal of the school. After meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria, purposive sampling technique was used to select the Sample. Self introduction was given to Sample and the staff. The purpose of gathering the information and nature of the study was explained to the staff and Principal of the school. Grouping of children was done in group A, B, C and D. Pre test evaluation of motor functioning was done in two days by using self structured observational check list. Intervention was taught to the children for one month thrice times in a week for 45 minutes. After period of one month, evaluation of motor functioning was done in two days by using self structured observational check list. Time taken by each subject was 15 minutes. The study findings revealed that the pre test mean score was 11.27 with SD 1.83 and post test mean score was 15.12 with SD 4.11. Mean difference between pre test and post test motor functioning score was 3.85. Findings of the study revealed that rhythmic movement games are effective in increasing motor functioning of mentally challenged children.