title: Cognitive Predictors of Performance in Well-Trained Table Tennis Players With Intellectual Disability.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: 1 Katholieke Universiteit Leuven.
authors.forename: Debbie
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Van Biesen
authors.affiliation: 2 Ryerson University.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mactavish
authors.affiliation: 1 Katholieke Universiteit Leuven.
authors.forename: Janne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kerremans
authors.affiliation: 1 Katholieke Universiteit Leuven.
authors.forename: Yves C
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Vanlandewijck
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D003657:Decision Making; D056344:Executive Function; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011930:Reaction Time; D065855:Spatial Processing; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Paralympics; classification; cognitive abilities; evidence-based practice; intellectual impairment