Scoping Review of Martial Arts Intervention Studies for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study conducted a scoping review of existing intervention studies with the aim of identifying the therapeutic-educational significance of martial arts for ASD. METHODS: This study followed the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) to collect and select articles. Searches were conducted using PubMed and Science Direct databases, using terms such as “martial arts” and “Autism”. The collected literature was screened according to eligibility criteria and the quality of the studies was assessed using the PEDro scale. RESULTS: In the end, 22 articles were selected, showing multifaceted effects on the improvement of ASD core symptoms and the development of socio-emotional, cognitive, and physical functions. On the other hand, research gaps were identified regarding study areas, subjects, and methods. CONCLUSION: The scoping review organized the results of previous studies and added evidence that reinforces the therapeutic-educational significance of martial arts. It also indicated that additional intervention studies are needed to conduct a meta-analysis.