The Effect of Moderate-Level FITT Training On Gross Motor Skills And Fine Motor Skills In Students With Disabilities

Rangga Gemilang; Muh. Isna Nurdin Wibisana; Galih Dwi Pradifta

Authors

Rangga Gemilang Universitas PGRI Semarang Author
Muh. Isna Nurdin Wibisana Universitas PGRI Semarang Author
Galih Dwi Pradifta Universitas PGRI Semarang Author

Keywords:

FITT Training; Gross Motor Skills; Fine Motor Skills; Intellectual Disability; Adaptive Physical Education

Abstract

Children with intellectual disabilities often experience delays in gross and fine motor development, which may limit functional independence and participation in daily activities. Structured physical training grounded in the FITT (Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type) principle is considered an effective approach to provide systematic neuromuscular stimulation. This study aimed to examine the effect of moderate-level FITT training on gross and fine motor skills in students with disabilities at SLB Swadaya Semarang. A quantitative pre-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design was employed involving 20 students (aged 7–9 years) selected through purposive sampling. The intervention was conducted twice weekly for six weeks at moderate intensity (60–70% HRmax; Borg 12–14). Gross motor skills were measured using the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD), while fine motor skills were assessed using the Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT). Data were analyzed using Shapiro–Wilk normality testing, Levene’s homogeneity testing, and paired sample t-tests (α = 0.05). The results showed a significant increase in gross motor scores from 10.40 to 24.30 (p = 0.000; 133.65% improvement; d = 2.85). Fine motor performance improved significantly, indicated by reduced NHPT completion time for the right hand (57.72 to 47.19 seconds; p = 0.035) and left hand (67.72 to 53.94 seconds; p = 0.004). In conclusion, moderate-level FITT training significantly enhances both gross and fine motor skills, supporting its implementation as an evidence-based intervention in adaptive physical education settings.

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