Assessment of the physical work capacity of institutionalized mentally retarded males

Educable and trainable mentally retarded males (N=37) were examined for physical work capacity. Analysis of results indicated that the physical work capacity of the test population was 20 to 30% below that cited in the literature for nonretarded subjects of similar age and sex. Evidence also suggested that developmental and maintenance programs of physical fitness were required in order for mentally retarded persons to qualify for and maintain employment on most of the manual occupational tasks cited.