Two recent research studies commissioned by BWF have provided further compelling evidence of badminton’s usefulness in building better health in communities.
Researchers at Gulf Medical University in UAE conducted a study on a group of 80 participants with and without non-communicable diseases (diabetes, hypertension, obesity and anxiety disorders).
A separate study at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology looked at the wellness benefits of playing badminton in a group of 119 recreational players.
In both studies, the conclusions were clear: engagement with badminton led to demonstrably positive outcomes on various health parameters. Both groups of researchers endorsed increased access to badminton by government or other agencies to improve general health in the population.
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The Gulf Medical University project, ‘Badminton for Cardivascular & Neuromuscular Function Among Older Adults With and Without Non-Communicable Disease’ was conducted by Assistant Professor Animesh Hazari, Praveen Kumar and Sondos Jalgoum on a group of 40 participants with non-communicable diseases and another group of 40 without non-communicable diseases. Both groups engaged in badminton according to certain specific criteria, for three days a week over two months, at mild to moderate intensity. The comparative changes in the cardiovascular and neuromuscular parameters were recorded after the two-month period.
The parameters recorded were cardiovascular (six-minute walk test) and neuromuscular (agility; lower limb joint power; muscle peak force for quadriceps and hamstring; single leg balance; reaction time; hand-eye coordination; muscle strength; range of motion for shoulder and lower limb).
Conclusions: Findings indicated significant improvement in cardiovascular and many neuromuscular qualities within both groups, and particularly among those with non-communicable diseases. The researchers summarised that badminton could be used to engage older adults to improve their neuromotor skills and cardiovascular endurance.
Badminton has benefits for people of all ages and abilities.
The Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology’s group’s study was titled ‘Does Badminton Participation Contribute to Holistic Health Benefits Among Recreational Players’ and was conducted by Tah Fatt Ong, Hui Yin Ler, Eng Hoe Wee, Kang Mea Kee, Chan Kai Qin and Low Juin Yang.
A group of 119 recreational players participated, and were assessed for physiological and physical parameters such as body composition, balance, strength, flexibility, cardiorespiratory fitness and bone density, while recording other measures such as cholesterol, diabetes and hypertension.
Findings: On every measure, the researchers found that recreational players had positive parameters, for example, in healthy blood glucose levels; ideal blood pressure across ages; ideal body fat percentage, greater grip strength, etc.
The researchers concluded that “regularly playing badminton can both improve and maintain the physical health status of participants… the emotional and social health benefits derived from badminton participation should be emphasised by agencies and organisations in promoting badminton to the public”.
The two projects were supported by the BWF sports science research grants.
For more information on BWF research projects, click here.
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