Kinomichi, the therapeutic Aikido. A Systematic Review

Abstract

Kinomichi is a movement art of Japanese origin based on the martial art of Aikido. It is based on the Japanese tradition known as Budo, which can be translated as a form of self-knowledge and personal development through martial practice. It was created by Aikido master Masamichi Noro (1935-2013) after a serious traffic accident in 1966. Noro adapted Aikido, minimised the physical demands and incorporated therapeutic exercises so that people with motor limitations could also practice it. Our aim is to analyse the therapeutic potential of Kinomichi by determining the Western therapies on which it is based. A systematic search of six databases was conducted using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. The search yielded 118 results, of which seven met the inclusion criteria (n = 7) and were found in the EBSCOHOST and Google Scholar databases. The Western therapeutic methods incorporated in the Kinomichi were the following (n = 9): Alexander Technique; Gindler Method; Ehrenfried Method; Kabat Method; Feldenkrais Method; Eutonia Method; Mézières Method; GDS-Godolieve Denys-Struyf Method and Antigymnastics Method. It justifies the need for quantitative experimental or quasi-experimental studies to verify the hypothetical benefits of Kinomichi as a therapeutic exercise.