Improving Kinesthetic Intelligence and Physical Freshness through Rhythmic Gymnastics in PJOK Learning for Students with Special Needs (Deaf) at SLB Muhammadiyah Kelayu

This study aims to improve the kinesthetic intelligence and physical fitness of students with hearing impairments through rhythmic gymnastics lessons in Physical Education, Sports, and Health (PJOK) at SLB Muhammadiyah Kelayu, East Lombok Regency. The research employed a collaborative classroom action research (CAR) approach involving both the researcher and the PJOK teacher. The action was conducted in two cycles, each comprising planning, implementation, observation, and reflection stages. The research subjects consisted of eight students with hearing impairments, including four females and four males. Data were collected through documentation, observation, and performance assessments using developed kinesthetic intelligence and physical fitness instruments, and then analyzed descriptively using quantitative methods. The results indicate that after the rhythmic gymnastics intervention, kinesthetic intelligence improved, with 75% of students reaching the expected development level by the end of Cycle II. Physical fitness also showed significant improvement across five main components: endurance increased to 68.7%, muscle strength and endurance to 65.6%, agility to 68.7%, flexibility to 65.6%, and balance to 71.8%. Rhythmic gymnastics proved to be an effective approach to support inclusivity while enhancing the kinesthetic intelligence and physical fitness of students with hearing impairments.