Psychological and behavioral benefits of adapted yoga exercise for children with autism spectrum disorder in special education schools: a systematic review / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveThe psychological and behavioral health benefits participating in yoga activities for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in special education schools were reviewed using the theory and methodology of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). MethodsThe literature on benefits of yoga in psychological and behavioral health for students with ASD from special education schools participating in yoga activities was searched from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and CNKI, from January, 2010 to July, 2023, and a systematic review was conducted. ResultsSeven papers from USA, India and Australia were included, mainly from the journals related to autism, sports therapy, and health psychology, published after 2018. The study design was all randomized controlled trials, featuring a total of 207 children with ASD aged five to 15 years. Adopted yoga interventions mainly included Mandala yoga postures, traditional yoga (breathing, posture, partner posture and relaxation) activities, etc. These simple yoga activities were incorporated into the physical health curriculum of special education schools. The benefits of yoga on psychological and behavioral health of students with ASD were mainly reflected in the following aspects in the field of cognition, it significantly improved working memory, task monitoring, planning/organization and other aspects in reactive joint attention function and executive function; in the field of emotional development and control, it enhanced the ability of emotions/expressing emotions, empathy for others, and awareness of emotional control, and reduced in anxiety states, irritability that occurred in social, emotional, behavioral aspects, and hyperactivity and aggressive behavior; in the field of social and team activities, it improved speech/communication skills, social skills, and teamwork; in the field of psychomotor, it improved overall motor and imitation skills, exercise-related health behaviors, and sedentary behaviors. Yoga activities also relieved sleep problems. The frequency of intervention ranged from twelve to 60 minutes, one to six times a week for eight to 45 weeks. ConclusionIn the context of special education schools, the health benefits of adapted yoga activities are primarily reflected in improving the psychological health, motor function, and social skills of children with ASD.