Play Badminton Forever: A Systematic Review of Health Benefits

Abstract

Regular physical activity (PA) engagement has multiple benefits for individual general health at all ages and life stages. The present work focuses on badminton, which is one of the most popular sports worldwide. The aim was to conduct a systematic review focused on examining and analysing this sport and the benefits it brings to the health of those who engage in it. Examination was conducted from the viewpoint of overall health and provides an overview of the current state-of-the-art as presented in published scientific literature. PRISMA 2020 guidelines were adhered to. An exhaustive search was conducted of four electronic databases or search engines: Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE and Google Scholar. The search terms used were “badminton AND health” and “badminton AND benefits”. In total, 27 studies were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review. After analysing the results, it was concluded that badminton engagement may lead to an improvement in all areas, the most studied being those related to physical health, in particular the improvement of cardiac and pulmonary functions and the development of basic physical capacities.

Community Sports Participation and Its Distribution in East Java

“…The participation of badminton in Indonesia is relatively high, and has a very good development [18]. Badminton also has a positive effect on physical health, particularly in improving heart and lung function, as well as on the development of basic physical capacities [19].…”

Wheelchair Badminton: A Narrative Review of Its Specificities

“…Badminton is a globally popular sport with recognized physical and mental health benefits [1]. However, physical disabilities often hinder individuals from engaging in this activity.…”

Benefits of Badminton for Preventing Cognitive Decline and Dementia

“…Although there are 12 modifiable risk factors to prevent and intervene with dementia, such as physical inactivity, obesity, depression, social isolation, diabetes, hypertension, head injury, smoking, air pollution, alcohol, hearing loss, and low educational level [8], previous studies reported the benefits of badminton in intervening for physical, social, and psychological health [9][10][11][12]. Considering physical health, several studies and reviews demonstrated the effect of badminton on cardiac and respiratory function, including increasing maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and decreasing asthma, optic function, body shape, increasing bone mineral density, lower risk of coronary heart disease, and physical abilities (e.g., speed, flexibility, endurance, strength, vertical jump, muscle coordination, manipulation, and motor skills).…”

“…Considering physical health, several studies and reviews demonstrated the effect of badminton on cardiac and respiratory function, including increasing maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and decreasing asthma, optic function, body shape, increasing bone mineral density, lower risk of coronary heart disease, and physical abilities (e.g., speed, flexibility, endurance, strength, vertical jump, muscle coordination, manipulation, and motor skills). Considering social health, badminton has a good impact on social relationships, personal development, mood regulation, and intrinsic motivation, following increasing fun and social engagement motives, besides psychological benefits on improving cognitive function, alertness, concentration, attention, depressive symptoms, and general motivation [9][10][11].…”