Relaxation response-based yoga improves functioning in young children with autism: a pilot study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

The study objectives were to develop and objectively assess the therapeutic effect of a novel movement-based complementary and alternative medicine approach for children with an autism-spectrum disorder (ASD).

DESIGN:

A within-subject analysis comparing pre- to post-treatment scores on two standard measures of childhood behavioral problems was used. SETTINGS AND LOCATION: The intervention and data analysis occurred at a tertiary care, medical school teaching hospital.

SUBJECTS:

Twenty-four (24) children aged 3-16 years with a diagnosis of an ASD comprised the study group.

INTERVENTION:

The efficacy of an 8-week multimodal yoga, dance, and music therapy program based on the relaxation response (RR) was developed and examined.

OUTCOME MEASURES:

The study outcome was measured using The Behavioral Assessment System for Children, Second Edition (BASC-2) and the Aberrant Behavioral Checklist (ABC).

RESULTS:

Robust changes were found on the BASC-2, primarily for 5-12-year-old children. Unexpectedly, the post-treatment scores on the Atypicality scale of the BASC-2, which measures some of the core features of autism, changed significantly (p=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS:

A movement-based, modified RR program, involving yoga and dance, showed efficacy in treating behavioral and some core features of autism, particularly for latency-age children.

• Authors: Lucy E Rosenblatt, Sasikanth Gorantla, Jodi A Torres, Rubin S Yarmush, Surita Rao, Elyse R Park, John W Denninger, Herbert Benson, Gregory L Fricchione, Bruce Bernstein, John B Levine
• Journal: Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) (J Altern Complement Med) Vol. 17 Issue 11 Pg. 1029-35 (Nov 2011) ISSN: 1557-7708 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21992466 (Publication Type: Evaluation Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
• Copyright: © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

Topics

• Adolescent
• Autistic Disorder (therapy)
• Child
• Child Behavior
• Child Development Disorders, Pervasive (therapy)
• Child, Preschool
• Dance Therapy
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Meditation
• Music Therapy
• Outcome Assessment, Health Care
• Pilot Projects
• Program Evaluation
• Relaxation Therapy
• Yoga