Author(s): Dr. Nagaraja S and Dr. Gajanana Prabhu B

Abstract:
Proper nutrition, physical warming-up exercise, structured conditioning and ample rest are the key to maintain physical fitness. Disabled population are one of the most disenfranchised groups in India. Standardized measurements of disability in India and globally have overlooked the linkages between the wealth and disability. The purpose the study was to measure the body mass index of visually as well as hearing impaired residential school children of Karnataka State. Further the level of perception on body mass index was also correlated with their actual status. A total of 414 subjects with special needs were selected for the present study through purposive random sampling technique. The study included hearing impaired (N=171) and visually impaired (N=243) in male category. All the subjects were residents of special schools within Karnataka state. Their age ranged between 13 to 18 years. The height and weight were measured with standard procedure including pre calibrated equipment. The Body Mass Index was calculated using the formula BMI = Kilograms / Meter². The researcher gave a brief overview of body mass index in order to make them familiar and express their levels of perception. The data from visually impaired students was collected through dictation and response record method. Similarly, data from hearing impaired students was collected through sign language method with help of a trained helper. The data was collected at the residential schools with prior intimation and permission. Pearson product moment correlation was used a statistical tool apart from descriptive statistics like mean and standard deviation. In special population of 13 to 14 years 39.06 per cent were severely thin, in 15 to 16 years it is observed that 21.59 per cent of them were severely thin, and in 17 to 18 years it is found that 11.82 per cent were severely thin. Underweight rather than over weight was found to be a matter of concern in special population under investigation. Further, the Levels of perception on body mass index showed significantly weak positive linear relationship in 13 to 14 years group; moderate positive linear relationship in 15 to 16 years and 17 to 18 years group when correlated with actual body mass index.

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