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Disability PhysicalNCT07671807

Adapted Table Tennis for Disabilities

A study testing Adapted table tennis training in people with Disability Physical, run by Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

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… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 75 years
Conditions the study is for
Disability Physical
What is being tested?
Adapted table tennis training
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
40 participants
Where
1 siteTaiwan
Study dates
8 Jul 2025to 31 Dec 2028
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 75 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • 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.

Who cannot join

  • 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.
  • Individuals with color vision deficiencies or visual impairments.
  • Pregnant women (self-reported).
Show all 10Show fewer
  • Individuals who have undergone lower limb musculoskeletal surgery or experienced musculoskeletal injuries within the past 6 months.
  • Individuals with a history of significant head trauma.
  • Individuals unable to comply with the testing schedule.
  • Individuals advised by a physician to avoid moderate to high-intensity exercise or those deemed unsuitable for physical activity.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Chia-Ling Lee, MD contact

886975357361

cathyleetw@gmail.com

Taiwan1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital

    Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, 807

    Chia-Ling Lee, MD, 886975357361, cathyleetw@gmail.com

    Recruiting

Other trials in Taiwan

About this study

Official title: Health Promotion Through Adapted Table Tennis for Individuals With Disabilities

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.

Read the detailed description

In recent decades, the participation of individuals with disabilities in sports has gradually increased, closely associated with medical advancements, growing societal emphasis on physical well-being, and the expansion of exercise opportunities. According to statistics from the United States Census Bureau, there were approximately 85 million people with disabilities in 2014; however, only around 2 million of them participated in recreational or competitive sports. Despite the growing availability of sports opportunities, about 60% of individuals with disabilities still do not engage in regular physical activity. This indicates the presence of multiple barriers to participation, such as limited awareness about the benefits of exercise and inadequate accessibility of sports facilities.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and various National Governing Bodies (NGBs) have played a crucial role in promoting sports participation among individuals with disabilities by establishing institutionalized competition and training systems that foster the development of sports culture. For example, the number of athletes participating in the Paralympic Games has grown from 400 at the 1960 Rome Paralympics to 4,200 at the 2012 London Paralympics. The 2024 Paris Paralympic Games are expected to host 4,400 athletes, reflecting the rapid growth and increasing recognition of disability sports. This growth not only represents society's greater acceptance of para-sports but also underscores the demand among individuals with disabilities for participation and the potential health benefits associated with such involvement.

The health benefits of physical activity for individuals with disabilities are well-supported by a growing body of research. Exercise has been shown to improve endurance, muscular strength, cardiopulmonary function, and flexibility. It also enhances balance and motor skills. Moreover, physical activity provides significant psychological benefits, including improved self-esteem, body image, self-awareness, and emotional regulation. From a cardiovascular perspective, athletes with disabilities tend to have higher levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, lower smoking rates, and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Specific populations, such as individuals with amputations or spinal cord injuries, also benefit from physical activity through improved proprioception, reduced hospitalization rates, lower incidence of pressure ulcers, and decreased infection risk.

Nevertheless, current research on the health benefits of adapted table tennis for individuals with disabilities remains relatively limited. Due to its technical versatility, high adaptability, and low facility requirements, table tennis has emerged as a suitable exercise option for this population. This study will implement a 12-week table tennis training program to assess its impact on the physical and mental health of individuals with disabilities and further evaluate whether this form of exercise can serve as an effective strategy for promoting their overall well-being.

The findings of this study aim to fill the existing research gap regarding the effects of adapted table tennis on individuals with disabilities and provide an empirical foundation for future exercise intervention programs, thereby advancing the promotion and development of regular physical activity among this population.

Being tested
Adapted table tennis training
Keywords
table tennis, disabilities, adapted exercise

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Adapted table tennis trainingOther

    Under 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.

Study groups in NCT07671807
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Adapted table tennis training groupExperimentalThe participants who engage in weekly 2-hour group table tennis sessions for 12 weeks.
Receives: Other: Adapted table tennis training
Control groupNo interventionThe participants who only receive regular medical management without exercise training

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Muscle strength

    Static grip strength test

    Measured: 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.

    Measured: 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.

    Measured: Pre-intervention (T0), after 12 weeks of intervention (T1), and 6 months after intervention (T2).

  4. Flexibility

    chair sit-and-reach test

    Measured: Pre-intervention (T0), after 12 weeks of intervention (T1), and 6 months after intervention (T2).

  5. Waist Circumference in Centimeters

    Waist circumference will be measured using a flexible, non-stretchable anthropometric tape. The measurement is taken at the midpoint between the lower margin of the last palpable rib and the top of the iliac crest (or at the level of the umbilicus, depending on your exact protocol). The data will be reported as a continuous variable in centimeters (cm). This measurement serves as an indicator of central adiposity and body composition changes.

    Measured: Pre-intervention (T0), after 12 weeks of intervention (T1), and 6 months after intervention (T2).

  6. Total Score on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item (GAD-7) Scale

    The GAD-7 is a self-administered questionnaire used to assess the severity of generalized anxiety disorder symptoms. It consists of 7 items, with each item scored from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day). The total aggregated score ranges from 0 to 21. Higher scores indicate greater severity of anxiety symptoms (Score guidelines: 0-4 minimal, 5-9 mild, 10-14 moderate, 15-21 severe anxiety).

    Measured: Pre-intervention (T0), after 12 weeks of intervention (T1), and 6 months after intervention (T2)

  7. Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Assessed by Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry in g/cm^2

    Bone mineral density of the whole body (or specific regions such as lumbar spine and femoral neck) will be measured using Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). The outcome is reported in grams per square centimeter (g/cm^2). Higher values indicate stronger, denser bones and a lower risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis.

    Measured: Pre-intervention (T0), after 12 weeks of intervention (T1), and 6 months after intervention (T2)

  8. Number of Participants with Abnormal Blood Laboratory Values

    A comprehensive blood panel will be drawn to evaluate general health and physiological safety. The panel includes metabolic markers (HbA1C), lipid profile (Total cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL, LDL), renal function and electrolytes (BUN, Cr, uric acid, Na, K, Ca, Mg), liver enzymes (GPT, GOT), complete blood count (CBC), albumin, CRP, and Vitamin D. The outcome is reported as the total number of participants exhibiting clinically significant abnormal values outside the standard laboratory reference ranges.

    Measured: Pre-intervention (T0), after 12 weeks of intervention (T1), and 6 months after intervention (T2)

  9. Volume of Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1) in Liters

    FEV1 is the maximal volume of air exhaled in the first second of a forced expiration from a position of full inspiration. It is measured in liters (L) using a digital spirometer. Higher values indicate better pulmonary function and airway patency.

    Measured: Pre-intervention (T0), after 12 weeks of intervention (T1), and 6 months after intervention (T2).

  10. Ratio of FEV1 to FVC (FEV1/FVC)

    This outcome calculates the ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1) to Forced Vital Capacity (FVC). It is expressed as a percentage (%). It serves as a clinical indicator of airway obstruction, with higher values generally indicating better respiratory mechanics.

    Measured: Pre-intervention (T0), after 12 weeks of intervention (T1), and 6 months after intervention (T2).

  11. Total Lean Body Mass Assessed by Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (in kg)

    Total body lean mass (which includes muscle mass and excludes fat and bone mineral content) will be measured using Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). The outcome is reported in kilograms (kg). Higher values indicate greater muscle mass, reflecting positive structural adaptations to the adapted sports intervention.

    Measured: Pre-intervention (T0), after 12 weeks of intervention (T1), and 6 months after intervention (T2)

  12. Percentage of Total Body Fat Assessed by Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry

    Total body fat percentage will be measured using Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). The outcome is calculated as fat mass divided by total body mass and reported as a percentage (%). This metric is used to evaluate changes in body composition and metabolic health.

    Measured: Pre-intervention (T0), after 12 weeks of intervention (T1), and 6 months after intervention (T2)

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted26 Jun 2026
  2. Study start8 Jul 2025
  3. Primary completion30 Jun 2028 (estimated)
  4. Study completion31 Dec 2028 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Other
Allocation
Non-randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
This study is a concurrent controlled trial with a parallel design. The experimental group will undergo adapted table tennis training, while the control group will only receive regular medical care.
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
40 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07671807
Sponsor's protocol ID
Para_Tb_PA
Status last verified
Jun 2026
First submitted
9 Jul 2025
Last updated
26 Jun 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided: The case population of this study is people with disabilities, who are belong to vulnerable populations.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Adapted table tennis training in people with Disability Physical, run by Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 10 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 26 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Taiwan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Chia-Ling Lee, MD (886975357361, cathyleetw@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Muscle strength (time frame: Pre-intervention (T0), after 12 weeks of intervention (T1), and 6 months after intervention (T2).). The study lists 12 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 26 Jun 2026.

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