Initial steps towards evidenced-based classification for Taekwondo poomsae athletes with intellectual impairments: a pilot study

Ivan Vivaracho,Yves Vanlandewijck,Debbie Van Biesen

doi:10.5507/euj.2018.006

Abstract

The Paralympic classification process for athletes with intellectual impairments (II) requires sport-specific testing, developed on the basis of evidence about the impact of the underlying impairment on the performance in that sport. The main purpose of this explorative study was to assess the feasibility, reliability and validity of a novel taekwondo poomsae test in a sample of Taekwondo poomsae athletes with II. The second purpose was to determine to what extent cognitive aspects of sports intelligence are related to poomsae performance. The final purpose was to understand the relationship between generic working memory and poomsae specific memory. Thirteen poomsae athletes with II (8 males and 5 females) performed four cognitive and executive function tests and a novel test, specifically developed for the purpose of this study, to assess taekwondo poomsae performance. Results revealed a significant positive correlation between psychomotor speed and poomsae performance (TPPS), both for the dominant hand (r=.766, p < .05) and non-dominant hand (r=.658, p < .05). Poomsae specific memory (TPMS) was found to be significantly correlated to mean (r=.704, p = .011) and maximum generic working memory (r=.655, p = .021). High reliability (TPPS r=.982, ICC=.97-.99, d=.041; TPMS r=.955, ICC=.99-.99, d=.058) (p<.05), feasibility and content validity established the taekwondo poomsae test as a potential tool to include in a future evidence-based classification system for taekwondo poomsae athletes with II.

Highlights

Athletes with intellectual impairments (II) were re-included in the Paralympic programme in the London 2012 Summer Games, thanks to the development of evidence-based classification systems, as required by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) classification code
Small effect size was found for total poomsae performance score (TPPS) (d=.041) while moderate effect size for total poomsae memory score (TPMS) was calculated (d=.058)
Deeper understanding needs to be generated to ensure full coverage of those cognitive variables that are necessary during sport practises. This pilot study is the first to relate cognitive abilities of sports intelligence and taekwondo poomsae performance in athletes with II. It can establish the basis for the upcoming development of an evidence-based classification system for taekwondo athletes with intellectual impairments

Summary

Introduction

Athletes with intellectual impairments (II) were re-included in the Paralympic programme in the London 2012 Summer Games, thanks to the development of evidence-based classification systems, as required by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) classification code. Following this code (IPC, 2007), every sport classification system must indicate how impairment affects the key determinants of performance in a particular sport. Assessment of the first step is done by The International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (INAS), while a classification panel appointed by the International Federation for that sport performs the other three steps. The assessment of performance parameters through observation (e.g., overall sport proficiency, physical profile, technical and tactical skills) complements the athlete appraisal

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Conclusion