Neurodevelopmental benefits of judo training in preschool children: a multinational, mixed methods follow-up study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Sports Science

Background:

• Primitive reflexes are crucial for neurodevelopment in early childhood.
• Martial arts like judo involve complex movements that may influence neurodevelopmental outcomes.
• Understanding the impact of physical activities on children's development is essential for educational and therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the neurodevelopmental effects of judo on children aged 4-7 years.
• To assess the impact of judo on primitive reflex integration.
• To compare neurodevelopmental changes in children participating in judo versus a control group.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental study involving 182 children across Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria over 6 months.
• Neurodevelopmental assessment using the Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology (INPP) and Physical and Neurological Examination for Soft Signs (PANESS).
• Parental feedback collected via the Performance Skills Questionnaire (PSQ).

Main Results:

• Children practicing judo showed significant improvements in cognitive and motor performance compared to the control group (p < 0.05).
• INPP and PANESS effectively identified neurodevelopmental changes associated with judo practice.
• The PSQ was found unsuitable as a simplified parental screening tool for primitive reflex integration.

Conclusions:

• Judo practice may promote central nervous system (CNS) maturation in young children.
• Findings support the potential inclusion of judo in early childhood education programs.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term neurodevelopmental benefits of judo.