국제무예스포츠학회 학술지영문홈페이지
[ Article ]
International Journal of Martial Arts - Vol. 10, No. 0, pp.77-99
ISSN: 2287-8599 (Online)
Print publication date 01 Mar 2025
Received 12 Sep 2025 Accepted 29 Sep 2025

Therapeutic-educational Significance of Martial Arts for Autistic Spectrum Disorders: From the Perspective of ICF Core Set

Kenji Hosokawa1) ; Nozomu Yano2) ; Atsushi Sumimoto3)
1)School of Education, Nagoya University of the Arts, Japan
2)Biostatistics Center, Kurume University, Japan
3)Faculty of Literature, Kobe Women's University, Japan

Abstract

Objective:

This study examined the therapeutic-educational significance of martial arts for ASD from the perspective of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) core set. The goal was to expand treatment options and establish evidence-based exercise interventions.

Methods:

Based on the most recent scoping review of martial arts interventions for ASD, this study analyzed previous studies in three areas related to the ICF core set: Body functions and structures, activities and participation, and contextual factors.

Results:

Martial arts intervention had beneficial effects in three areas, indicating its potential to play a multifaceted role in improving the quality of life of children with ASD, such as promoting comprehensive development and social participation.

Conclusion:

Given the diverse symptoms and severity of ASD, the multifaceted benefits of martial arts present a promising exercise-based treatment option. Future efforts should focus on developing evidence-based programs tailored to individual needs.

Keywords:

Exercise, Physical activity, Developmental disorder, Neurodevelopmental disorder, ICF

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