Judo Training for People With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Physical Fitness and Psychological Indicators

Physical fitness and psychological indicators are key factors in healthy development. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to have lower levels of physical fitness and mental health than their neurotypical peers. This study examined the effects of 10 months of judo training on physical fitness and psychological indicators in children and adolescents with ASD and neurotypical individuals training in integrated groups. Ninety children and adolescents aged 7-14, with and without ASD, participated in the study. Physical fitness was measured using the EUROFIT test, and psychological indicators were measured using the Staic psychological test and the Juczyński questionnaire.

The aim of the study is to analyze changes in the physical fitness levels of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and generalized self-efficacy, state anxiety, and trait anxiety before, during, and after judo training. In the initial phase, judo training combines fun and active play activities that contribute to the development of psychosocial behaviors, peer interaction, and the acquisition of new motor skills, thus increasing participants' functional abilities. In the second phase, participants will refine exercises related to general physical fitness and basic judo techniques, and will be instructed in targeted judo exercises. Additionally, paired exercises will be introduced to gradually increase communication skills and observe participants and their behaviors. In the final, third phase, participants will continue to develop their general physical fitness, but the focus will be on targeted judo exercises. The number of paired exercises will be increased to enhance social communication. During the project, training sessions will be conducted twice a week for 10 months. The training process will be implemented during the school year to facilitate adaptation to the educational realities in Poland. The aim of the project is to analyze changes in physical fitness during judo training in children and adolescents with ASD, training in an inclusive group with neurotypical individuals. During the research project, physical fitness will be assessed before, during, and after judo training using the EUROFIT test battery, and psychological indicators will be assessed before and after the judo training program. This research project will enable the assessment of changes in physical fitness and effective functioning in inclusive groups of individuals with ASD and neurotypical individuals.