The effect of aerocombat exercises versus kata techniques training on social interactions of children with autism spectrum disorders: the role of marial arts nature

The effects of 14 weeks of kata versus aerocombat training on social interactions of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) were investigated. The study included 54 eligible children whom they assigned to kata , or aerocombat or no-exercise control group . Participants of the exercise groups received kata techniques or aerocombat instructions three times per week for 14 weeks (42 sessions). The social interaction were assessed at baseline, week 14, and at one month follow up in the three groups via the social dysfunction sunscale of Gilliam,Autism Rating Scale-Second Edition (GARS-2). Statistical analyses were performed with a repeated measures of analysis of variance, a one-way analysis of variance a paired t-test, and an idependent t-test. Results showed that both kata techniques and aerocombat training improved social interactions of the two exercise groups. It was also found that aerocombat exercises played more prominent role in improving social interactions than kata techniques. After 30 days of no practice social interaction in the exercise groups remained significantly decreased compared to pre-intervention time. The participants of the control group did not show significant changes in the outcome variable. It seems that teaching kata techniques and aerocombat exercises to children with ASD consistently improves their social interactions The role played by aerocombat training in improving social interactions was significantly greater than kata . Iit should be noted that the nature of martial arts could be considered as a key option in prescribing martial arts based interventions in children with ASD for improving their social interactions.