The Effectiveness of Baduajin in People With Intellectual Disability in Supported Employment: A Randomized Clinical Controlled Trial

Intellectual disability (ID) is defined as a significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information and to learn and apply new skills (impaired intelligence). This results in a reduced ability to cope independently (impaired social functioning), and begins before adulthood, with a lasting effect on development. For the first time in history, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are living to experience old age. Although the impact of ID on life expectancy is variable, most people with mild-to-moderate mental impairment can now expect to live as long as their non-disabled peers. Nevertheless, the ageing process and related functional problems seem to have an earlier onset in people with ID, charasterized by impairtment of movement and balance skills, which could lead to an increased risk of falls, and in turn, to a higher risk of disability and loss of quality of life.

The social and health-related benefits of the integration of the people with ID in the workplace are well known. People with ID often want to participate in work and organisation. However, these persons are much less likely to be employed than their non-disabled peers. In addition, people with ID who are in employment tend to need to retire earlier, producing social, economic and health problems.

On one hand, Lantegi Batuak is a provider of supported employment for more than 1000 people with ID in Bizkaia (Spain). At the above-mentioend company it was found that workers with ID over 40 years old showed problems related to ageing, which include loss of body balance and in consequence less functionality. In consequence, methodologies for the prevention of the problems related to the ageing process in people with ID are particularlly interesting for the above-mentioned comapany, and can be potentially interesting for other public and private providers of supported employment. On the other hand, as has been previously demonstrated, Baduajing can enhance the body balance and functionality in different conditions. However, it have found no evidence concerning the use of this method for improving the function of people with ID.

The aim of this research is to ascertain the efficacy of a Baduanjing program for improving the body balance and functionality of people with ID, aged 40 or older, who are working in Lantegi Batuak. A total of 40 participants will be randomly allocated to a control or intervention group. The intervention will consist in a 1 hour supervised Baduajin group sessions conducted once a week during 9 month. The effect of the intervention and the lack of this will be assessed. For this, a full test-protocol including anthropometry, functionality and body balance, will be perform inmediatly before and after the intervention, as well as after 3 month of the intervention.