Abstract
Jiritsu katsudo is a specialized subject area in the national curriculum for special schools that has the objective of training pupils with disabilities for independent living. The present study examined the effect of using the Dohsa-hou instruction method, which includes mental and physical relaxation, for the jiritsu katsudo instruction of 2 children with cerebral palsy and breathing disorders who were enrolled in a school for children with physical disabilities. After 1 year of this instruction, improvements were observed in the development of joint attention, blood oxygen saturation, posture depending on gravity, cognitive activity, and health. Experience suggests that Dohsa-hou may be useful for the jiritsu katsudo instruction of children with severe and multiple disabilities.
