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Effect of Baduanjin on physical functioning and balance in adults with mild-to-moderate intellectual disabilities: A comparative study |
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| Authors: | Iraia Bidaurrazaga-Letona Carlos Ayán Iratxe Duñabeitia Izaro Esain Xabier Monasterio Biotz Zulueta Jon Torres-Unda |
| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain;2. RIDEAIDI, Research Network on People with Disability: Exercise, Physical Activity and Inclusive Sport, Consejo Superior de Deportes (CSD), Madrid, Spain Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Spain Well-Move Research Group, Vigo, Spain Departamento de Didácticas Especiais, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain;3. Lantegi Batuak, Loiu, Spain |
| Abstract: | BackgroundAdults 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.MethodTwenty-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.ResultsParticipants 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.ConclusionsBaduanjin practice may cause significant, albeit small, improvements in physical functioning of adults with intellectual disabilities. |
| Keywords: | Baduanjin disability physical functioning short physical performance battery stabilometry |