Adapted Table Tennis for Disabilities
ConditionDisability Physical
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-75
SponsorKaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital
About this trial
In recent years, sports participation among individuals with disabilities has increased, driven by medical advancements, growing societal awareness, and improved accessibility. However, a significant proportion-about 60%-still do not engage in regular physical activity, often due to limited awareness and environmental barriers. Organizations like the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) have played a key role in promoting disability sports, as evidenced by the growth in Paralympic participation from 400 athletes in 1960 to an expected 4,400 in 2024. Physical activity offers both physical and psychological benefits for people with disabilities, including improved cardiovascular health, motor function, and emotional well-being. Although adapted table tennis is a promising, accessible sport for this population, research on its health effects remains limited. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a 12-week adapted table tennis program on the physical and mental health of individuals with disabilities and to explore its potential as a sustainable health-promotion strategy.
Eligibility criteria
This trial does not accept healthy volunteersQualifiers
Individuals aged 18 to 75 years who hold a disability identification certificate issued by the Taiwan government and have been assessed by a physician and a professional coach as suitable for participating in adapted table tennis, with a willingness to take part in the study; Participants must respond "No" to all questions in the first section of the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone (PAR-Q+ 2024 edition) or, if they respond "Yes" to one or more questions in the first section, must respond "No" to all questions in the second section.
Disqualifiers
Individuals with uncontrolled cardiovascular diseases or relevant neurological history.
Hearing impairment.
Cognitive dysfunction.
Individuals with uncontrolled psychiatric disorders who are unable to comply with the assessments.
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Adapted table tennis training
Other interventionUnder the guidance of a professional adapted sports coach, participants in the experimental group will engage in weekly 2-hour group table tennis sessions for 12 weeks. The sessions will include warm-up exercises, basic table tennis techniques, skill practice, and cool-down stretching exercises.
Treatment groups
40 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: Adapted table tennis training groupExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Control groupNo intervention 0 interventions
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Muscle strength
Static grip strength test
Time frame
Pre-intervention (T0), after 12 weeks of intervention (T1), and 6 months after intervention (T2).2
Volume of Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) in Liters
FVC is the total volume of air that can be forcefully and completely exhaled after a full inspiration. It is measured in liters (L) using a digital spirometer. Higher values indicate greater lung volume and better respiratory capacity.
Time frame
Pre-intervention (T0), after 12 weeks of intervention (T1), and 6 months after intervention (T2).3
6-Minute Walk/Push Test (6MWPT) Distance
This outcome measures the maximal distance a participant can travel in 6 minutes on a hard, flat surface. Depending on the participant's ambulatory ability, this was conducted either by walking (6-Minute Walk Test) or by propelling a manual wheelchair (6-Minute Push Test). The total distance is recorded in meters (m). Higher values indicate better cardiopulmonary endurance and functional mobility.
Time frame
Pre-intervention (T0), after 12 weeks of intervention (T1), and 6 months after intervention (T2).4
Flexibility
chair sit-and-reach test
Time frame
Pre-intervention (T0), after 12 weeks of intervention (T1), and 6 months after intervention (T2).Other outcomes
1
Sensory, Motor, and F-wave Latencies of the Median and Ulnar Nerves (in ms)
This outcome measures the electrophysiological latencies of the bilateral median and ulnar nerves using nerve conduction studies. The parameters include sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) latency, distal motor latency (DML), and minimum F-wave latency. All latency measurements are recorded and reported in milliseconds (ms). Prolonged latencies serve as objective indicators of focal nerve entrapment (such as carpal or cubital tunnel syndrome) or proximal conduction delays.
Time frame
Pre-intervention (T0), after 12 weeks of intervention (T1), and 6 months after intervention (T2).2
Sensory and Motor Nerve Conduction Velocities of the Median and Ulnar Nerves (in m/s)
This outcome measures both the sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) and motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) of the bilateral median and ulnar nerves using nerve conduction studies. All velocities are recorded and reported in meters per second (m/s). A decrease in conduction velocity may indicate potential nerve demyelination or early nerve compression associated with wheelchair use or adapted sports.
Time frame
Pre-intervention (T0), after 12 weeks of intervention (T1), and 6 months after intervention (T2).3
Number of Participants with Upper Limb Neuropathy (Median or Ulnar)
Upper limb nerve conduction studies (NCS) will be performed to assess the presence of median neuropathy (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome) or ulnar neuropathy. The outcome is reported as the total number of participants diagnosed with either pathology based on abnormal electrophysiological findings. This evaluates the neurological safety associated with the wheelchair/adapted sports intervention.
Time frame
Pre-intervention (T0), after 12 weeks of intervention (T1), and 6 months after intervention (T2).4
Number of Participants with Ultrasound-Detected Rotator Cuff Tears
Musculoskeletal ultrasound of the bilateral shoulders will be performed to assess the presence or absence of rotator cuff tears (full-thickness or partial-thickness). The outcome is reported as the total number of participants exhibiting this pathology. This parameter serves to evaluate the musculoskeletal safety and potential overuse injury associated with the intervention.
Time frame
Pre-intervention (T0), after 12 weeks of intervention (T1), and 6 months after intervention (T2).Locations
1Map coordinates are unavailable for these locations. Locations are shown below instead.
Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial HospitalRecruiting807, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
Taiwan
TaiwanSponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov