Method: Twenty-nine children ages 5-18 years, were recruited from the University of Rhode Island Adapted Physical Education Program, Special Olympics Rhode Island and through word-of-mouth. This was an 8-week program that used pre and post-testing measurements. Amount and level of physical activity (heart rate, caloric expenditure, stress and recovery time)- Sunnto Memory Belts, balance and coordination- force plates, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and muscular strength and endurance- Brockport Physical Fitness Test (BPFT), program evaluation, self-efficacy and bone density- Pediatric DEXA scan measurements were recorded.
The goal of each hour surf lesson was to teach the participants how to paddle in the water, balance on their board, and ride a wave on the board progressing from laying, to kneeling, to standing.
Analysis/Results: We found significant improvements in endurance (isometric push-ups): (P‹ 0.015) and cardiorespiratory endurance (20-m) PACER (P‹0.047) among the participants receiving the surf intervention. *Due to the large amount of data collected, the researchers are still working on analyzing some of the data collected.
Conclusions: These results showed that there is an overall improvement in upper body strength and cardiorespiratory endurance in these participants. Further research is needed to discern the physiological effectiveness of surfing programs as an alternate exercise modality for children with disabilities.