Peak Performance Martial Arts

MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING AND BEHAVIOR

The Effects of Mixed Martial Arts on Behavior of Male Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
By: Matthew K. Morand

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ABSTRACT 

In this research the effectiveness of a martial arts program two times per week at increasing the percentage of completed homework, frequency of following specific classroom rules, improve academic performance, and improve classroom preparation was explored. In addition, decreasing maladaptive behaviors including necessity for redirection to task, inappropriately calling out in class, and inappropriately leaving the seat during class were explored. Participants were male children ages 8 to 11 diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Schoolteachers completed a behavior checklist both initially during the baseline period and throughout the 12-week study to measure the effectiveness of both intervention groups and the non-intervention group on the behaviors of AD/HD children. A single subject design using multiple baselines across conditions was employed in this study. Participants were assigned to a martial arts intervention, exercise intervention, or control group condition and data was collected on the behaviors exhibited in school.

Results of this study were determined by a comparison between pre scores and post scores on the rating scale. Five of seven hypotheses were supported. Martial Arts was proven to increase percentage of homework completion, academic performance, and percentage of classroom preparation while decreasing the number of classroom rules broken and times inappropriately leaving the seat. This study lends empirical support to martial arts as a positive intervention for children with AD/HD. Results of the study are discussed in terms of future interventions in the physical education classroom or in a private setting to help children control symptoms associated with AD/HD.

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