Finding Stability—A Case Report on the Benefits of Adapted Kata Training for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

This study investigated the efficacy of an Adapted Kata Training Program (AKTP) in enhancing balance for a 10-year-old child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), employing a mixed-model approach for data collection. Over 12 weeks, the AKTP demonstrated significant improvements in the child’s balance abilities, with an 11% increase in static balance, 8% in proprioceptive, 12% in horizontal, and 14% in vertical balance performance. These improvements persisted in a follow-up assessment after four weeks. Observations by the child’s mother corroborated the above findings. Consequently, this research suggests the AKTP as a valuable non-pharmacological intervention to improve balance in children with ASD. However, further studies are necessary to validate these results and explore the impact on additional developmental domains, such as cognitive and motor skills.

Keywords

• adapted physical activity
• karate
• special needs education