Effects of Taekwondo intervention on balance in children with autism spectrum disorder

• Published in: Journal of exercise rehabilitation Vol. 12; no. 4; pp. 314 - 319
• Main Authors: Kim, Yumi, Todd, Teri, Fujii, Takuto, Lim, Jae-Chun, Vrongistinos, Konstantinos, Jung, Taeyou
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) Korean Society of Exercise Rehabilitation 01.08.2016; 한국운동재활학회
• Subjects: Original; 심리과학; Bal-ance; Martial art; Taekwondo; Autism spectrum disorder; Developmental disability; Balance
• ISSN: 2288-176X; 2288-1778
• DOI: 10.12965/jer.1632634.317

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week Taekwondo (TKD) intervention on balance in children with autism spec-trum disorder (ASD). A total of 14 children with ASD participated in this study. Eight children (eight males; mean age, 10.25±2.38 yr) completed TKD intervention (50 min/2 times/8 week), and six children received no intervention serving as controls (five males, one female; mean age, 10.00±2.83 yr). A computed posturography system with a long force-plate (NeuroCom Balance Master) was used to evaluate static (double and single leg stance with various test conditions) and functional bal-ance (step-quick-turn). Balance was measured before and after the in-tervention. A mixed-model analysis of variance showed a significant group by time interaction in single leg stance balance. After the inter-vention, the TKD group displayed a greater improvement in single leg stance balance with eyes closed condition than the control group (P=0.046). Within-group analysis showed that the TKD group signifi-cantly improved single leg stance balance with eyes open condition (P=0.014). In addition, TKD group displayed trends of improvements in double leg stance balance with unstable surface under eyes closed condition (ES=0.83) and step-quick-turn (Cohen d [ES]=0.70). The con-trol group did not show any significant changes in balance outcomes. In conclusion, TKD training can help children with ASD improve their balance. Children with ASD also showed a high rate of adherence (92%) to the TKD training. Our findings suggest that TKD can be a fun, feasible, and effective therapeutic option for balance improvement of children with ASD.