Dinesh K.S., Santhi Krishna A S and Reshmi Pramod

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess the Effect of Ayurveda Dominated Multidisciplinary Intervention Compared to Individualised Education Plan in Children Suffering from Learning Disability with Hyperactivity
Int.J.Adv.Microbiol.Health.Res.2019; 3(4):9-17

Publisher: IJAMHR, Category: Current Issues

Abstract

Background: The academic dysfunction and learning disability hold pluralistic definitions but possess similar effects so far, the parents and teachers of affected students are concerned. The ambiguous apprehension of parents regarding the remedial training and interventions has enforced them to receive direction from Complementary and Alternative Medical Systems (CAM). Since Ayurveda significantly outstands among CAM system in Kerala, it proves better management in children with Learning Disability. Aim: To test the effect of a proposed Ayurveda dominated multidisciplinary intervention in addition to the Individualized Education Plan (IEP), in LD children with hyperactivity and suspected organic background, selected from Kerala who are under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan [SSA] program. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial of 46 children diagnosed with Learning Disability having hyperactivity and suspected organic background were subjected to Ayurveda dominated multidisciplinary interventions alongside IEP in test group and only IEP in control group. Either groups were then subjected to two formal interim analysis in an interval of 3 months, in addition to the baseline and end line analysis. Visual analogue scale, IQ analysis and digit span were measured for the assessment of therapies. Results: Excluding 3 dropouts, 43 children has completed the trial and as per the global satisfaction index, multidisciplinary group shows highly significant results [p<0.001] in comparison with IEP group both from parental and teachers’ side. Comparatively better outcome is measured in multidisciplinary group [p=0.009] in IQ assessment and digit span test. Conclusion: Learning disability with suspected organic background if associated with hyperactivity, is treated with a multidisciplinary approach including yoga, music therapy and Ayurveda Treatments, in addition to usual IEP, showed significant outcomes in terms of IQ and global satisfaction index.