CONTRIBUTIONS OF PARA TAEKWONDO TO MOTOR AND COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT IN PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Intellectual disability is often associated with limitations in intellectual functioning, adaptive behavior, and motor, cognitive, and social skills, affecting autonomy, social participation, and quality of life. In this context, inclusive physical practices, such as para taekwondo and adapted taekwondo, may constitute relevant pedagogical strategies for the integral development of this population. This study aimed to analyze the contributions of para taekwondo to the motor, cognitive, and psychosocial development of individuals with intellectual disabilities. This is an integrative literature review with a qualitative and descriptive-analytical approach, conducted according to organizational principles inspired by PRISMA and structured using the PICO strategy. Scientific databases and complementary sources related to Adapted Physical Education, martial arts, para sport, and intellectual disability were consulted. The analyzed studies indicate that adapted taekwondo practice may contribute to improvements in global motor coordination, balance, postural control, laterality, and body awareness. In the cognitive domain, findings indicate possible advances in attention, organization, motor memory, and inhibitory control, especially through the execution of technical sequences and structured movements. Psychosocial benefits were also identified, such as increased self-confidence, self-esteem, discipline, social interaction, and participation in inclusive contexts. It is concluded that para taekwondo has potential as a pedagogical and inclusive resource in Adapted Physical Education, although evidence should be interpreted with caution due to the scarcity of specific studies, sample heterogeneity, and the need for experimental and longitudinal research with standardized protocols.