FUNfitness is the physical therapy discipline that addresses the ongoing health needs of our athletes. FUNfitness provides the opportunity to
be screened for flexibility of hamstring, calf, shoulder rotator and hip
flexor muscles; functional strength of the abdominal and lower
extremity muscles; and balance. During these screenings, health professionals work with athletes and coaches to
improve optimal function in sports training and competition, prevention
of or reduced risk for injury and recommending exercises and other
helpful strategies.
FUNfitness is the comprehensive physical therapy component of the
Special Olympics Healthy Athletes initiative. FUNfitness is designed to
assess and improve the flexibility, functional strength and balance of
individuals with intellectual disabilities. During these screenings,
physical therapists, related professionals and students offer expert
guidance and exercise recommendations to prevent and reduce the risk of
injury, and to improve the athletes’ optimal function in sports training
and competition.
Importance and Impact
At FUNfitness screenings, we learned that a large percentage of
Special Olympics athletes in the U.S. have the following health related
concerns:
- 71% have flexibility problems
- 73% have balance problems
- 56% have strength problems
