The Possible Effects of Motor Activities on Improving Perceptual Mo

Recent literature confirms the effects of motor activities on the formation and reinforcement of movements in the first years of life among mentally retarded children. It is proposed that there is a relationship between formation of movements and improvements in motor-perceptual capabilities and academic achievement. These lead us to the idea that the phenomenon of perception, the role played by motor activities in relation to perception, cognition and organizing adaptive and normal behavior can be recognized as new domains of interest in physical education studies. This investigation was an attempt to explore the effects of motor activities on developing perceptual-motor skills. It used the highly reliable and valid Scale of Motor Capability developed by Lincoln-Oseretsky on a sample of 75 mentally retarded children (aged 9±0.5) from special education schools in West Azerbaijan. Analysis of the data obtained through a quasi-experimental design indicated a significant difference between pretest and posttest mean scores of all mentally retarded children including both males and females in terms of perceptual motor capabilities. In addition, results showed a significant difference in posttest mean scores of mentally retarded (males vs. females) children in terms of perceptual motor capabilities using Sloan Standard Scale. Further analysis of data indicated a significant relationship between academic achievement (male and female) and their perceptual-motor capabilities. Therefore, it was proposed that motor activities may provide suitable situations for mentally retarded children to benefit from their capabilities and develop their perceptual capabilities.