وحید برفی

Autism has multiple characteristics and dimensions making it very difficult to treat. Music therapy promises to overcome some of these challenges by creating an enjoyable healing process. However, studies on its effectiveness in Iran are scarce and how the treatment is accepted by children and mothers has not yet been studied. The primary objective of the present study was to examine the acceptance, effectiveness, as well as challenges in this treatment process.

The present study has a concurrent mixed-method design, conducted in the form of a multiple-case study. Thus, participants included five children with autism (without severe cognitive and learning disorders) aged 7-12 years. They were selected through purposeful sampling. One of them was ultimately excluded from the study process. Music therapy was performed individually for an average of eight one-hour sessions. Its effectiveness was assessed via the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills Scale and the Stirman Theory of Mind Scale as well as interviews with mothers and the therapist, plus observations of therapy sessions.

Participants demonstrated good compliance and even enthusiasm during treatment (in sessions and interviews with their mothers). Mothers also showed overall satisfaction with the treatment. The treatment had a significant impact on social and cognitive skills as well as mind theory. However, anxiety and repetitive behaviors did not appear to be reduced. Moreover, two significant challenges in the treatment process were a high level of anxiety and the children’s lack of concentration in the initial sessions, as well as a lack of passion and interest in practice at home.

Music therapy appears to be a potentially effective approach for children with autism, especially since participants revealed good acceptance and enthusiasm. Comparing this approach with a variety of psychological interventions for children with autism can be helpful.

Old age is always associated with inactivity, obesity and many physical, mental and psychological problems. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 8 weeks of aerobic exercise in water on body composition and quality of life of overweight elderly men.

In this quasi-experimental study, 34 elderly (mean age: 66±4 years old) and overweight (BMI≥25 kg/m2) men were randomly selected and randomly divided into two groups of water training (n=17) and control (n=17).  The exercise program included aerobic exercise in water with an intensity of 45 to 65% of maximum heart rate for 8 weeks. At the beginning and end of the training period, body composition indicators, as well as the quality of life of the elderly, were evaluated according to the questionnaire of The World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF)

Exercise in water significantly reduced fat percentage (P£0.03), weight (P£0.01), body mass index (P£0.01) and waist to hip ratio (P£0.001) in overweight elderly men. These exercises also significantly increased the quality of life (P£0.01). In addition to the overall quality of life score, its sub-components including physical health (P£0.05), mental health (P£0.03), social relations (P£0.00) and environmental health (P£0.01) were also improved.

8 weeks of aerobic exercise in water can improve anthropometric parameters, increase quality of life and physical health in overweight elderly men. Therefore, these exercises can be recommended by sports and health experts to these people.