Scoping review uncovers benefits of martial arts for ADHD and DCD, indicating need for higher-quality studies.
This study is a scoping review that comprehensively organizes martial arts intervention studies targeting Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Analysis of 17 papers revealed that multiple studies reported improvements in cognitive and socioemotional functioning for ADHD, and in physical fitness components centered on balance for DCD. However, results were inconsistent, and challenges remain regarding the number and quality of studies. Martial arts show potential benefits for physical and psychosocial development, but large-scale, high-quality follow-up studies are still needed.
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HOSOKAWA et al. (2026) studied this question.
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