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Effect of Baduanjin on physical functioning and balance in adults with mild-to-moderate intellectual disabilities: A
Iraia Bidaurrazaga-Letona1,2, Carlos Ayán2,3,4, Iratxe Duñabeitia1,2
1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain.
Background:
Adults with intellectual disabilities often experience mobility limitations. Baduanjin, a mindfulness-based exercise intervention, can exert positive effects on functional mobility and balance. This study examined the impact of Baduanjin on physical functioning and balance of adults with intellectual disabilities.
Method:
Twenty-nine adults with intellectual disabilities participated in the study. Eighteen received a Baduanjin intervention for 9-months; 11 participants did not receive any intervention (comparison group). Physical functioning and balance were assessed using the short physical performance battery (SPPB) and stabilometry.
Results:
Participants in the Baduanjin group experienced significant changes in the SPPB walking test (p = .042), chair stand test (p = .015), and SPPB summary score (p = .010). No significant changes between groups were observed in any of the variables assessed at the end of the intervention.
Conclusions:
Baduanjin practice may cause significant, albeit small, improvements in physical functioning of adults with intellectual disabilities.
