Effect Of Badminton Sport in Improving Heart Rate Variability and Body Composition of Overweight and Obese Amateur Badminton Players – A Randomized Control Trial

Regular physical exercise enhances autonomic function in obese individuals, as indicated by heart rate variability (HRV). While badminton, a high-intensity interval sport, may offer similar benefits, its empirical investigation remains limited. This single-blind, randomized control trial evaluated the impact of badminton on heart rate variability (HRV) and body composition in overweight and obese (BMI between 23 and 30 kg/m2) recreational players. 100 participants were randomly assigned to either a badminton intervention group or a control group. The intervention group engaged in 60-90 minutes of moderate- intensity badminton and gym-based resistance training, while the control group followed a regimen combining gym-based aerobic exercise and resistance training. Baseline and post-intervention measurements included HRV indices, total body fat percentage (TBF%), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and body mass index (BMI). Results showed significant improvements in HRV for both groups, with the intervention group exhibiting greater increases in Root Mean Square of Successive Differences (RMSSD) (41.32±10.58 to 58.06±5.57) and Standard Deviation of Normal R-R intervals (SDNN) (50.94±10.91 to 62.16±5.97) compared to the control group (RMSSD: p = 0.026; SDNN: p<0.001). Additionally, both groups experienced significant reductions in BMI and TBF%, with the intervention group showing more pronounced changes (BMI: p<0.001; TBF%: p<0.001 and WHR :p<0.001). The findings suggest that structured badminton training effectively enhances HRV and improves body composition in overweight and obese individuals, supporting its potential as a beneficial physical activity for this population. Future studies should explore the long-term effects of badminton on diverse populations to validate its benefits further.