The Effectiveness of a Yoga Training Program on Developing Motor Coordination and Social Interaction in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties with motor coordination and balance, impaired social interactions and communication, and restricted and repetitive behaviors. Research indicates that this disorder is constantly increasing. The global prevalence rate of autism was found to be 1%. One of the most prominent difficulties faced by children with autism is self-regulation, which is a person’s ability to manage emotions and behaviors, which greatly affects their daily lives. Individuals have difficulty initiating communication with peers and may display repetitive motor behavior. In recent years, interest has begun to grow in the use of physical interventions such as yoga as part of therapeutic interventions for individuals with autism. Research indicates that physical activity positively affects cognitive and executive functions. In this study, the effectiveness of a yoga training program was evaluated on developing motor skills, motor coordination, and social interaction for individuals aged 10-16 years. Thirty individuals participated and were divided into two groups: 15 individuals participated in the yoga program and 15 individuals were a control group. The results of the bot2 test showed that yoga was effective in improving motor skills with statistical significance, which supports the hypothesis that yoga can be an effective intervention to improve motor skills in children with autism.
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