Effect of table tennis training on reaction times of down-syndrome children

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the reaction times of individuals with Down syndrome, aged 12-15 participated in table tennis exercise for 12 weeks. Twenty children with Down syndrome participated in the project "Every child succeeds if you give a chance" that the governor of Malatya started to work. Ten children with down syndrome voluntarily participated in the exercise group. Ten children with Down's syndrome were included different study and were evaluated as a control group. Children in exercise group and control group participated in the study were regularly trained 90 minutes three days a week by expert table tennis coaches. In the training sessions, ball throwing with racket, ball throwing on a wall, backhand exercise, forehand exercise, ball throwing with racket and control exercise, service exercise to specific area were done. Children in control group participated the programme that include ball throwing on a wall, hit to ball with foot, hitting the ball with the cuff, jogging, running. In order to find out whether the reaction time has improved, all individuals were subjected to a reaction test before and after at the end of 12 weeks. As a result of this study, it was determined that the reaction times of children with Down's syndrome participating in table tennis study were better than children with Down's syndrome who were control group.