Evaluating Health Effects of a 12-Week Adapted Table Tennis Program for Adults with Disabilities

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the effects of a 12-week adapted table tennis program on the physical and mental health of adults with disabilities. Although sports participation among individuals with disabilities has increased due to medical advances and greater societal awareness, about 60% still do not engage in regular physical activity. The study seeks to fill the research gap on the health benefits of adapted table tennis, a sport known for its versatility and accessibility. Participants in the study will either join weekly 2-hour group table tennis sessions led by a professional adapted sports coach for 12 weeks or continue with their usual medical care without exercise training. The sessions will include warm-up exercises, basic techniques, skill practice, and cool-down stretches. Two groups are compared those receiving the adapted training and a control group receiving no exercise intervention. Throughout the study, researchers will assess participants before the program, immediately after 12 weeks, and again 6 months later. Measurements include muscle strength, lung capacity FVC and FEV1, walking or pushing distance in 6 minutes, flexibility, waist circumference, anxiety levels, bone density, blood lab values, body lean mass, and body fat percentage. These assessments aim to evaluate the impact of the adapted table tennis program on overall physical and mental well-being over time.

Adapted Table Tennis for Disabilities