Effect of Combined Music and Taekwondo Training on the Physical and Psychological Function of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives: To examine the effects of a 10-week Taekwondo training program, with or without music therapy elements, on the physical function and psychological function of children with ASD.

Methods: This is a randomized controlled trial. Seventy-seven children aged 6 to 11 years who meet the diagnostic criteria of ASD were recruited and randomized into either the “Taekwondo training with music therapy elements” group or the “Taekwondo training alone” group. In both groups, the participating children attended Taekwondo training sessions twice weekly over ten consecutive weeks. Assessments, including motor skills, cognitive function, social communications, and taekwondo technique, were conducted at baseline and immediately after completion of the 10-week program. Heart rate during exercise was monitored to ensure that the intensity was moderate to vigorous.

Results: Results indicated a significant increase in motor skills, cognitive ability and taekwondo technique among all participants. Children from both groups have displayed significant improvement in executive function (p<0.01) and motor skills in terms of bilateral movement (p<0.01), running speed and agility (p<0.01), and muscle strength (p<0.05). Participants demonstrated significantly elevated abilities to perform Taekwondo techniques after the intervention (p<0.01). Particularly, children in the “Taekwondo training with music therapy elements” group displayed significantly higher overall engagement levels during the training than the “Taekwondo training alone” group (p<0.01).

Discussion and Conclusion: These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of integrating sports activities such as taekwondo with music therapy elements to enhance the engagement level of children with autism, as well as benefit their motor and cognitive functions. Such a multidisciplinary approach could possibly establish a framework for the development of future interventions in this and similar populations. Further study is proposed to explore the long-term effects and establish innovative interventions in the field.