Abstract: Objective To explore the physical fitness of students from special education schools in Beijing. Methods From September to December, 2016, 810 students aged seven to 15 years from 19 special education schools in Beijing were tested with physical fitness test. Results There were significant differences in height, mass and vital capacity among students of different ages (F > 8.273, P < 0.001), which increased with age, but were lower than that of normal students. Gender and age had significant effects on height, mass and vital capacity (P < 0.01). Level of disability had significant effects on height and vital capacity (P < 0.01), while no effect on body mass (P > 0.05). There were significant differences in 50-meter running, sandbag throwing, 30 seconds sit-ups, 6/9 minutes running/walking, one-leg standing and sit & reach among students of different ages (F > 3.571, P < 0.001). Most of the items increased with age, but were lower than that of normal students. Gender, age and level of disability had significant effects on 50-meter running, sandbag throwing, 30 seconds sit-ups, 6/9 minutes running/walking, one-leg standing and sit & reach (P < 0.05). Conclusion There are significant differences in body morphology, function and physical fitness among students of different ages, and the differences increase with age, but they are worse than the normal students as a whole. Gender, age and level of disability have a significant effect on body morphology, function and physical fitness among students of different ages.

Key words: special education schools, intellectual disability, physical fitness