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The present study aimed to compare the effect of a land-based and a swimming-based exercise program on balance abilities in children with autism. Thirty children were voluntarily selected and randomly assigned to karate exercise, aquatic training and control groups. Participants practiced for 10 weeks, 2 sessions of 60 min per week. Before and after the 10-week intervention, static and dynamic balance tests were administered. The results showed that both interventions had a significant effect on balance abilities (p < 0.001); interestingly, we found the greater improvement in balance performance in kata techniques group. Due to the importance of balance performance on daily functions, communication and interaction skills, karate and swimming exercises can be the valuable interventions added to autism's daily programs. Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials number: IRCT20180626040242N1

Evaluating the effects of a yoga-based program integrated with third-wave cognitive behavioral therapy components on self-regulation in children on the autism spectrum: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

Authors » Tanksale R , Sofronoff K , Sheffield J , Gilmour J

Journal » Autism : the international journal of research and practice

Year » 2021

Links » Pubmed DOI

This article is included in 1 Systematic review Systematic reviews (1 reference)

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Research using mind–body practices in autism is limited but suggests a trend for ruminative reduction and improved behavioral–emotional outcomes. Following random assignment (N = 67), effects of a weekly six-session pilot yoga-based group program combined with third-wave cognitive behavioral therapy elements on self-regulation for children on the autism spectrum (aged 8–12 years) was assessed. The primary outcome was executive functions. Secondary outcomes were sleep, anxiety, and emotion awareness. After attrition, assessment results from participants in the intervention (n = 31) and the waitlist conditions (n = 30) completed at baseline, post-intervention, and 6-week follow-up were evaluated. For the intervention group, the between-group mean score differences suggest a decrease in parent-reported global executive difficulties from baseline to post-intervention (−2.61; 95% confidence interval −5.13 to −0.09, p = 0.047, d = −0.39) and baseline to follow-up (−4.17; 95% confidence interval −6.72 to −1.62, p = 0.017, d = −0.59) with small-to-medium effect sizes. Small-to-medium effects were found for a few parent-reported children’s sleep issues, child-reported aspects of emotion awareness, and performance anxiety. Non-significant findings are discussed in this article. Preliminary findings suggest mixed results and should be interpreted cautiously. The yoga-informed program may complement existing treatments and will benefit from ongoing evaluation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved)

Mixed martial arts training improves social skills and lessens problem behaviors in boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Authors » Phung, Janice N , Goldberg, Wendy A

Journal » Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Year » 2021

This article is included in 1 Systematic review Systematic reviews (1 reference)

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A randomized controlled trial of 25 sessions comparing music therapy and music listening for children with autism spectrum disorder.

Authors » Rabeyron T , Robledo Del Canto JP , Carasco E , Bisson V , Bodeau N , Vrait FX , Berna F , Bonnot O

Journal » Psychiatry research

Year » 2020

Links » Pubmed DOI

This article is included in 3 Systematic reviews Systematic reviews (3 references)

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BACKGROUND: Music therapy is based on the use of musical elements by a trained and qualified therapist. Clinical researches have suggested that children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) may benefit from MT. In this regard, this study examines if MT is more effective than simply listening to music for children with ASD. METHOD: A 8-month RCT has been carried out comparing music therapy (MT) to music listening (ML) for children with ASD aged from 4 to 7 years old. Thirty-seven participants were randomly assigned to one of the two groups (MT vs. ML). The outcome measures were the Clinical Global Impression (CGI), the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) in each condition (MT and ML). RESULTS: CGI scores decreased more for participants in the MT than in the ML condition. This clinical improvement was associated with an improvement of autistic symptoms on lethargy and stereotypy ABC subscales. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that music therapy is more efficient than music listening for children with ASD. The present study thus supports the consideration of MT as a rightful add-on to ASD healthcare programs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

An investigation of a classroom-based specialized music therapy model for children with autism spectrum disorder: voices together using the VOICSS™ method

Authors » Schmid, Lorrie , DeMoss, Lauren , Scarbrough, Paige , Ripple, Carol , White, Yasmine , Dawson, Geraldine

Journal » Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities

Year » 2020

This article is included in 1 Systematic review Systematic reviews (1 reference)

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Supporting coordination of children with ASD using neurological music therapy: A pilot randomized control trial comparing an elastic touch-display with tambourines.

Authors » Cibrian FL , Madrigal M , Avelais M , Tentori M

Journal » Research in developmental disabilities

Year » 2020

Links » Pubmed DOI

This article is included in 3 Systematic reviews Systematic reviews (3 references)

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AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) using a traditional and a technological intervention (elastic touch-display) in improving the coordination of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as a primary outcome, and the timing and strength control of their movements as secondary outcomes. METHODS: Twenty-two children with ASD completed 8 NMT sessions, as a part of a 2-month intervention. Participants were randomly assigned to either use an elastic touch-display (experimental group) or tambourines (control group). We conducted pre- and post- assessment evaluations, including the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ) and motor assessments related to the control of strength and timing of movements. Outcomes and results: All participants improved their coordination, according to the DCDQ scores, and exhibited better control of their movements according to the strength and timing assessments after the intervention. Participants who used the elastic touch-display scored higher on the DCDQ. Conclusions and implications: NMT is an efficacious treatment to improve the coordination skills of children with ASD. Elastic touch-displays provide more benefits than the use of tambourines. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

The body communicates: Movement synchrony during music therapy with children diagnosed with ASD

Authors » Dvir, Tamar , Lotan, Nava , Viderman, Roni , Elefant, Cochavit

Journal » The Arts in Psychotherapy

Year » 2020

This article is included in 1 Systematic review Systematic reviews (1 reference)

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