The Impact of Table Tennis Exercises on Working Memory of Educable Intellectually Disabled Students

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate the impact of table tennis exercises on the working memory of educable intellectually disabled students. Methods: Thirty intellectually disabled students aged 9 - 15 in Galikesh City were randomly selected and assigned into 2 groups: An experimental group and a control group. The experimental group received table tennis exercises for 8 weeks (3 sessions per week), each lasting 60 minutes. The control group engaged in regular daily activities. Working memory was assessed using the Daneman and Carpenter's Working Memory Test. Data analysis was conducted using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results: The results of ANCOVA indicated a significant difference in the mean of working memory performance between the 2 groups after the intervention (P < 0.05). Thus, table tennis exercises had a significant effect on improving the working memory of intellectually disabled students. Conclusions: Table tennis exercises are effective in enhancing the working memory of intellectually disabled students and can be used as an appropriate intervention.