Remember the study from 2019 which found that badminton could be better for your brain, compared to running on a treadmill?
In an experiment led by Shinji Takahashi at Tohoku Gakuin University, 20 participants took a cognitive test before and after exercise. The results found that performance was boosted after participants played a complex sport, like badminton, whereas no effect was seen from those who ran on a treadmill. The multiple traits required of a badminton player, mainly decision making and co-ordination, were proven to boost their performance in the test afterwards.
The researchers said that badminton helps to boost ‘executive function’ which is responsible for paying attention, organising, planning, initiating tasks, regulating emotions and maintaining self-control. Further studies have also gone on to suggest how the sport can help people to sleep better, reduce stress and anxiety and can prevent diseases such as dementia.
While many countries battle with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to look after your physical and mental health – and badminton can help to achieve those goals.
For those who are fortunate enough to have a wall to hit against without the wind taking control of the shuttlecock, that is definitely one great way to spark your executive functions.
Otherwise, why don’t you get creative and adapt these Shuttle Time activities for your home. It doesn’t matter what age or ability you are, these are bound to get those problem-solving skills into gear:
If you have a racket, shuttlecock and a space in or around your house, practice grips and precision in the Golf Game:
Why not get your family or housemates together and practice your overhead technique in this throwing game:
Or if you have limited equipment, why not use a household item instead of a shuttlecock and give these balancing activities a go:
Share your activities on social media by using the hashtag #BadmintonAtHome
More Shuttle Time activities are available to watch on YouTube.
