PHYSICAL FITNESS AND BALANCE PERFORMANCE IN TABLE TENNIS PLAYERS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES: A COMPARISON BETWEEN THE YEARS 2016 AND 2022

Abstract

Training routine is beneficial for people with intellectual disabilities, increasing their physical fitness, improving the balance and consequently reducing the risk of falls. However, during the COVID-19 breakdown, training restrictions could impair these benefits. This is a two-fold study aimed to compare the physical fitness performance and balance in table tennis athletes with intellectual disability (ID) during 2016 and 2022; and to analyse the association between the fitness and balance parameters. Table tennis athletes with ID, from both sexes and members of the Special Olympics Czech Republic, were assessed in 2016 (n=33) or 2022 (n=32). The FUNfitness protocol was used to measure the physical fitness parameters and balance (e.g., functional shoulder rotation, timed sit-to-stand test, partial sit-up test, handgrip test, single leg stance eyes open, single leg stance eyes closed). Comparison and correlation statistical tests were used (p<0.05). The physical fitness parameters and balance presented no statistically significant between the years (2016 vs 2022) or better results in 2022 (single leg stance, partial sit-up test). The correlation of physical fitness parameters and balance demonstrated that balance is positively related to flexibility (single leg stance eyes closed: r=0.32 and 0.58 for males and females, respectively) and lower limb strength (single leg stance eyes open: r=-0.31 and -0.52 for males and females, respectively). In conclusion, the development of flexibility and low limb strength in ID population can help improve the balance, and consequently minimize the risk of falls.