Introduction. In the modern system of Adaptive Physical Culture (APC), finding effective means that have a comprehensive impact on the correction of motor and cognitive indicators in children with intellectual disabilities (ID) remains a pressing issue [1]. Badminton, as a sport that combines accessibility and high emotional appeal, is attracting increasing attention from specialists. However, the potential of this sport for individuals with ID is mainly used for the development of physical qualities, while its possibilities for the correction of mental processes (attention, memory, thinking) remain underutilized, especially at the initial stage of training.

The aim of the research is to develop a set of combined-effect exercises aimed at the development of cognitive processes and coordination abilities in children with ID, and to select a set of tests to evaluate its effectiveness.

Methods and organization of the research.  The scientific work employed methods of pedagogical observation, questionnaire surveys, and interviews with teachers of special schools and badminton coaches.

Results and discussion. It was determined that the development of cognitive processes will be more effective if specific types of coordination abilities are simultaneously targeted alongside them.

These exercise complexes are implemented through targeted pairs: exercises for static and dynamic balance are carried out in unity with memory activation; the development of reaction speed and movement coordination is inextricably linked with attention concentration; the formation of spatial orientation and the ability to restructure motor actions is combined with thinking. The exercise complexes "Bright Shuttlecock," "Colored Mounds," and "Islands" create situations that require simultaneously maintaining a static or dynamic posture and memorizing color sequences. The exercises "Signal," "Double Signal," and "Switching" are aimed at developing reaction speed with simultaneous engagement of attention. The exercises "Find by Color," "Moving Target," and "Route" activate mental operations (analysis, synthesis, planning) in a changing environment.

The targeted focus on the development of the specified cognitive processes is related to their greatest deficiency in children with intellectual disabilities and, at the same time, their highest demand in the game activity of a badminton player, which requires quick orientation, memorization of game situations, and decision-making under time constraints.

To evaluate the effectiveness of the means used, tests were selected to assess cognitive processes: the "10 Pictures" method by A.R. Luria (visual memory), the "Pieron-Ruzer Test" (attention concentration), and the "Maze" test (visual-action thinking).

Conclusion. The positive results of the pilot implementation of the developed exercise complex, aimed at the combined development of cognitive and coordination abilities, confirmed its effectiveness and served as the basis for its inclusion as one of the main means in the methodology of initial badminton training for children with intellectual disabilities.

References

1. Parfenova L.A. Metodologicheskie osnovy innovatsionnykh podkhodov v adaptivnom fizicheskom vospitanii detey s intellektualnymi narusheniyami [Methodological basis of innovative approaches in adaptive physical education of children with intellectual disabilities]. Teoriya i praktika fizicheskoy kultury. 2024. No. 11. P. 61.

No. 7, pp. 6–6

Received: 04.06.2026 | Published: 26.06.2026

CC BY 4.0