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, the balance, and consequently minimize the risk of falls.