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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07419919

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Autism Autism Spectrum Disorder Autistic Disorder Child Development Disorders, Pervasive Mental Disorders Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Age range

7 year–14 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

AKademia Wychowania Fizycznego w Poznaniu

Poznan, Poznań, 61-871, Poland

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Group ASD: Male and female participants aged 7-14 years with a confirmed diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), without intellectual disability and without impairments in language functioning.

Group non-ASD: Male and female participants aged 7-14 years without ASD, intellectual disability and without impairments in language functioning.

Exclusion criteria

  • judo athlete
  • lack of medical clearance to participate in physical exercise, specifically judo

Treatment and study plan

Judo training for people with ASD - training in integration groups with non-ASD people

Combination Product

This is the first long-term (10-month) intervention conducted in integrated settings, where individuals with ASD train in judo alongside their non-ASD peers. This intervention will examine changes in physical fitness levels (general and specific), self-efficacy, and trait and state anxiety among the participants.

Primary outcomes

  1. The European Physical Fitness Test - EUROFIT

    Time frame: 10 months

    The European Physical Fitness Test (EUROFIT) was used to measure the level of physical fitness. The EUROFIT test was used to measure the level of balance (Flamingo Balance Test), hand movement speed (Tapping Test), explosive power (Standing Long Jump), flexibility (Sit and Reach Test), static strength (Handgrip Dynamometry), trunk strength (Sit-Up Test), functional strength (Flexed-Arm Hang) and agility endurance (10 x 5 m Shuttle Run). The results obtained by the subjects in each term were converted into points, adjusted to the age and gender of the subjects, in accordance with the scoring tables developed for Polish children and adolescents. The better the score obtained by the examined person in relation to the age, the higher level of physical fitness was demonstrated.

    Depending on the physical fitness test, points ranging from 1 to 100 could be obtained.

Secondary outcomes

  1. State and Trait Anxiety

    Time frame: 10 months

    Trait anxiety and state anxiety were measured using the Polish adaptation of the STAI-C psychological test, this tool has two scales: C-1 (state anxiety), which assesses anxiety as a temporary and situationally determined individual state, and C-2 (trait anxiety), which assesses anxiety as a relatively stable personality trait. The C-1 test contained 20 questions, to which participants responded on a three-point scale, where 1 meant "Yes," 2 - "Rarely yes," and 3 - "No." The state anxiety questionnaire contained 11 reverse-scored questions. The test result was the sum of points from all questions.

    The C-2 test contained 20 questions, to which participants responded on a three-point scale, where 1 meant "Rarely," 2 - "Sometimes," and 3 - "Often." The result of this test was the sum of points obtained from all questions.

    The higher the score, the higher the level of trait and state anxiety. Both STAIC scales contain 20 point items on a three-point scale, maximum 60, minimum 20 points

  2. General self-efficacy scale

    Time frame: 10 months

    Self-efficacy was measured using the Generalized Self-Efficacy Test (GSES), adapted from Polish by Z. Juczyński. This test measures the strength of an individual's general belief in their ability to cope effectively with difficult situations and obstacles. It consists of 10 questions, to which participants responded using a four-point Likiert scale, where 1 means "no," 2 means "probably not," 3 means "probably yes," and 4 means "yes." The higher the score, the higher their self-efficacy.

    Maximum points 40, minimum points 10

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Poznan University of Physical Education

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Impact of Judo Training on Physical Fitness and Psychological Indicators of People With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Acronym: JUDOASD/PA/PSY

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Feb 19, 2026
Registry last updated
Feb 19, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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