BMI-stratified outcomes of a badminton training program on health-related fitness in adults with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities

TL;DR

A 12-week badminton program improved fitness in adults with intellectual disabilities, with benefits varying by BMI category.

Contribution

This study provides BMI-stratified evidence on how badminton affects health-related fitness in adults with intellectual disabilities.

Findings

Badminton improved aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and coordination across all BMI groups.

Normal weight participants showed greater improvements in grip strength and coordination compared to overweight and obese groups.

Resting heart rate and timed up-and-go performance improved more in non-obese BMI groups.

Abstract

Regular exercise, such as that obtained through badminton, can effectively improve health issues associated with insufficient physical activity among adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). However, there is a paucity of research exploring tailored interventions and post-exercise outcomes among adults with ID based on body mass index (BMI) stratifications. This study compared the effects of a 12-week badminton intervention on health-related physical fitness in adults with ID across three BMI levels, providing a theoretical reference for developing targeted exercise prescriptions for this population.

In total, 60 adults (39 male and 21 female) 25–45 years of age with mild to moderate ID were included and allocated to one of three analysis groups based on their BMI (20 per group): normal weight (BMI: 18.5–24.99 kg/m²), overweight (BMI: 25.0–29.9 kg/m²), and obesity (BMI ≥30.0 kg/m²). A systematic 12-week badminton training intervention was conducted, with two 65-minute sessions per week. Health-related physical fitness assessments were performed before and after the intervention. Key outcome measures included (1) aerobic capacity (assessed using the 2-minute step test, resting heart rate, and vital capacity), (2) muscle strength and endurance (assessed through grip strength, standing long jump, sit-ups, and the 30-second chair stand test), and (3) flexibility and coordination (assessed via the sit and reach test, back scratch test, and timed up-and-go test). Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 for within-group and between-group comparisons.

Baseline health-related physical fitness indicators showed no significant differences among the normal weight, overweight, and obesity groups pre-intervention (p > 0.05). Completion of the badminton exercise program resulted in differential improvements. Significant enhancements were observed for all three groups in aerobic capacity (2-minute step test, resting heart rate, and vital capacity), muscle strength and endurance (right-hand grip strength, standing long jump, and 30-second chair stand test), and coordination (timed up-and-go test), after undergoing pre-and post-tests (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) indicating differences between groups showed that compared with the overweight group, the normal weight group had greater improvements in right-hand grip strength; compared with the obesity group, the normal weight group exhibited greater improvements observed in right-hand grip strength and performance in the timed up-and-go test; and compared with the obesity group, the overweight group demonstrated more pronounced reductions in resting heart rate and better timed up-and-go test performance (p < 0.05). There was no significant change in flexibility (sit and reach test, back scratch test) between pre-test and post-test performances. MANOVA results for intergroup analyses showed no significant improvements in the 2-minute step test, lung capacity, left grip strength, sit-ups, standing long jump, sit and reach test, and back scratch test.

Badminton exercise significantly improved aerobic capacity, muscle strength and endurance and coordination in adults with ID across all BMI categories. Core fitness indicators (right-hand grip strength, timed up-and-go test, and resting heart rate) exhibited a gradient improvement pattern: normal weight greater improvement than overweight, which was greater than obesity. Therefore, although badminton is an appropriate exercise intervention for adults with ID, BMI and BMI-related factors should be taken into consideration when designing personalized exercise programs to optimize training effects.

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