5. Conclusions
intellectual disabilities, intellectual disability
This randomized controlled study found significant improvement in the executive function of adults with a mild intellectual disability after 12 weeks of a badminton intervention. This improvement in executive function was specifically reflected in enhanced inhibitory control and working memory. By contrast, the apparent improvements in cognitive flexibility were not statistically significant. These results suggest that badminton may be used as an effective intervention to improve the executive function of adults with a mild intellectual disability. However, in the practice process, attention should be paid to control the amount of exercise, and the physical changes in people with intellectual disabilities should be strictly paid to during the intervention. In the badminton intervention, more interesting and simple methods can be used to promote the understanding of the movement technology of the group, and the most suitable exercise intervention mode for the intellectual disability group can be explored. This study offers practical information to inform exercise intervention research on executive function in specific populations and potential badminton program intervention protocols.