Effects of martial arts practice on physical fitness and behavioral characteristics of people with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Physical activity and sport have important reductions in the risk of developing diseases in persons with intellectual disabilities (ID), however, some sports still lack information on their effectiveness, such as martial arts. Objective: Thus, our objective was to present the effects related to the practice of martial arts for people with intellectual disabilities. Method: A systematic search of six databases was carried out by two independent evaluators. The studies should bring clear information about the public with intellectual disabilities studied in addition to the characteristics that comprised the selected interventions. The quality of the studies was assessed using the PEDro scale. Results: After administering the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 16 studies were selected (karate: six; judo: five; taekwondo: two; taichi: two and mixed martial arts: one), totaling 310 people with ID assessed. The types of intellectual disabilities investigated were Down Syndrome (n = 21), severe and moderate intellectual disabilities (n = 45), autistic spectrum disorder (n = 135), unspecified intellectual disabilities with intelligence quotient <70 (n = 66), intellectual disabilities “educable”(n = 32) and epilepsy (n = 11). The main results point to improvement in aspects of physical fitness and also motor performance. Aspects of socialization and behavior show conflicting results. Conclusion: There are positive effects from the practice of martial arts, however behavioral variables still lack evidence in people with intellectual disabilities. The low methodological quality of the studies underscores the need for more quality research, randomized and controlled, and including other martial arts accessible to the public with intellectual disabilities.