Effects of Badminton on Physical Developments of Males with Physical Disability

This study was realized in order to determine the features of the male badminton players with physical disability, and to examine the effects of badminton on physical developments of individuals with physical disability. Totally 59 males voluntarily participated in the study, 35 of whom were male badminton players with physical disability (n=35, average exercise age; 4.9) and the rest were physically handicapped (n=24) as the control group. Forming the research group, the male badminton players with physical disability, were divided into two groups according to the disability classification of the International Paralympic Committee, SL-3, SL-4, SU-5 (on foot, n=23), and WH-1, WH-2 (on wheelchairs, n=12). As for the control groups, physically handicapped individuals (on foot, n=13, wheelchair, n=11) of inactive lifestyle were included into the study. In order to determine the physical features of the participants following tests and measurements were applied; stature, weight, BMI, length of upper extremity, arm, fore arm and hand length, arm and forearm circumference, flexibility, balance, modified sit-up, modified abdominal endurance, hand grip strength, plate tapping, and modified push-up tests. Tests and measurements were applied on dominant hand and foot. At the end of the study, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference in between badminton players on foot with disability (BMI, balance, modified sit-up, and modified push-up values) and players on wheelchair (BMI, forearm circumference, hand grip strength, and modified push-up values), (p<0.05). As a conclusion, it was determined that badminton develops physical features of the individuals with physical disability.