Exploring the use of telepractice Dohsa‐hou to adults with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Key Clinical Message This study presents the application of an authentic Japanese bodywork approach Dohsa‐hou to adults with intellectual disabilities who live in a care facility. Amid the COVID‐19 pandemic, such people remained disconnected from their families and friends, for which reason many of them experience anxiety, stress and inability to enjoy leisure activities. Given the lockdown circumstances, we decided to use for the first time in the field telepractice to provide Dohsa‐hou. The results showed that participants experienced a gradual positive mood change and also expressed a desire to continue the sessions. Considering this, although further research is still needed, we assume that telepractice Dohsa‐hou might be a viable substitute for the face‐to‐face sessions.

Keywords

• care facility
• intellectual disabilities
• POMS2
• telepractice Dohsa‐hou
• Vineland‐II