A importância das artes marciais na intervenção com a população com deficiência e doença mental: Um estudo de revisão sistemática

Abstract

The present study aimed to conduct a systematic review of the literature on the main martial arts applied to people with disabilities and mental illness. Specifically, it is intended to characterize the research methodologies developed in the reference studies in this area of research. To date, we have no knowledge of systematic review studies that have been carried out with the purpose of presenting updated, summary and state-of-the-art information on martial arts applied to people with disabilities and mental illness. Thus, the purpose of this study was to analyze the state of the art in terms of the main characteristics of the research methodologies and results of studies in the area of martial arts applied to the population with disabilities and mental illness. A total of 19 studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria. Data analysis was organized into the following categories: sample characteristics, research design, material and methods, and results. Most of the studies were carried out with participants under the age of 20 and with young adults. With regard to the context of the participants, the context of therapy/rehabilitation was the most studied. Regarding the type of disability, the research addressed a diversity of areas, with a tendency towards intellectual and visual impairment. Regarding martial arts, tai chi stands out. Most studies have an experimental design and quantitative methodology. The instruments used are based on quantitative measures, using questionnaires/scales or physical/physiological tests, and qualitative measures. With regard to the results of the selected experimental studies, there were significant improvements at a physical/motor, psychological and social levels resulting from the intervention. However, there is a need for further studies in the field of martial arts covering other areas of disability and mental illness.