Cognitive Predictors of Performance in Well-Trained Table Tennis Players With Intellectual Disability

• Autores: Debbie Van Biesen, Jennifer B. Mactavish, Janne Kerremans, Yves C. Vanlandewijck
• Localización: Adapted physical activity quaterly, ISSN 0736-5829, Vol. 33, Nº. 4, 2016, págs. 324-337
• Idioma: inglés
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• Dialnet Métricas: 2 Citas
• Resumen

  • Evidence-based classification systems in Paralympic sport require knowledge of the underlying effect of impairment in a specific sport. This study investigated the relationship between cognition and tactical proficiency in 88 well-trained table tennis players with intellectual disability (ID; 29 women, 59 men, M ± SD IQ 59.9 ± 9.6). Data were collected at 3 competitions sanctioned by the International Federation for Para-Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities (INAS). A generic cognitive test consisting of 8 neuropsychological subtests was used to assess cognitive abilities relevant to sport (reaction time, processing speed, and decision speed; spatial visualization; fluid reasoning; memory; executive functioning; and visual processing). The backward stepwise-regression analysis model revealed that 18% of the variance in tactical proficiency was attributed to spatial visualization and simple reaction time. Applications of these findings resulted in an evidence-based classification system that led to the reinclusion of athletes with ID in Paralympic table tennis and provide the basis for future research in this important area.