Badminton Improves Executive Function in Adults Living with Mild Intellectual Disability

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Sports Science
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Adults with intellectual disabilities often exhibit impaired executive function, impacting independent living.
• Executive function encompasses working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of a 12-week badminton intervention program.
• To assess improvements in executive function among adults with mild intellectual disabilities.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 30 adults with mild intellectual disabilities.
• Participants were assigned to either a badminton intervention group (n=15) or a control group (n=15).
• Executive function was measured using Stroop test, n-back task, and task switching before and after the intervention.

Main Results:

• The badminton group showed significant improvements in inhibitory control and working memory accuracy and reaction time.
• No significant changes were observed in the control group or for cognitive flexibility in the badminton group.
• Pre-test scores showed no significant differences between groups across all executive function subcomponents.

Conclusions:

• Badminton intervention can effectively enhance specific executive functions in adults with mild intellectual disabilities.
• The findings support badminton as a viable exercise program for cognitive improvement in this population.
• The study protocol can guide future badminton-based intervention programs.