Effect of Baduanjin on physical functioning and balance in adults with mild-to-moderate intellectual disabilities: A comparative study


Author: Iraia Bidaurrazaga-Letona1,2, Carlos Ayán2,3,4, Iratxe Duñabeitia1,2, Izaro Esain1, Xabier Monasterio1, Biotz Zulueta5, Jon Torres-Unda1

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain.

<sup>2</sup> RIDEAIDI, Research Network on People with Disability: Exercise, Physical Activity and Inclusive Sport, Consejo Superior de Deportes (CSD), Madrid, Spain.

<sup>3</sup> Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Spain Well-Move Research Group, Vigo, Spain.

<sup>4</sup> Departamento de Didácticas Especiais, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain.

<sup>5</sup> Lantegi Batuak, Loiu, Spain.
Conference/Journal: J Appl Res Intellect Disabil
Date published: 2023 Mar 18
Other:
  Special Notes: doi: 10.1111/jar.13092.   ,  Word Count: 153  
    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.



Keywords: Baduanjin; disability; physical functioning; short physical performance battery; stabilometry.



PMID: 36932817 DOI: 10.1111/jar.13092