(Radio Iowa) – As FIFA World Cup play opens today (Thursday), a University of Iowa study finds playing soccer may help young people with intellectual disabilities improve their physical fitness — as well as their brain health. J-J Chen, a U-I professor of health, sport, and human physiology, says they found a 15-week soccer program improved reaction time, spatial skills, and well-being, while reducing anxiety.
The research shows playing what Chen describes as “inclusive soccer” can help young people on and off the field. He says the U-I plans to broaden its studies into other sports, including badminton and pickleball.
The study included young people with and without intellectual disabilities, and Chen says it sends a message about the potential benefits of social inclusion and acceptance.
The research is being published in “Sport Sciences for Health.” Chen is director of the U-I’s Health and Adaptive Recreation Therapy (HEART) Lab.
