title: Effects of Taekwondo intervention on balance in children with autism spectrum disorder.
abstract: 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 forceplate (NeuroCom Balance Master) was used to evaluate static (double and single leg stance with various test conditions) and functional balance (step-quick-turn). Balance was measured before and after the intervention. A mixed-model analysis of variance showed a significant group by time interaction in single leg stance balance. After the intervention, 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 significantly 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 control 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Northridge, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Yumi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Northridge, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Teri
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Todd
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Northridge, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Takuto
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Fujii
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Northridge, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Jae-Chun
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Northridge, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Konstantinos
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Vrongistinos
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Northridge, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Taeyou
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jung
keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; Balance; Developmental disability; Martial art; Taekwondo