PETACH TIKVA - An Israeli hospital has began to help children combat social disorders. Literally. The Schneider Children’s hospital has started offering karate classes to children suffering from a variety of social disorders, such as low motor skill functioning, movement difficulties and concentration problems, as a means of alternative treatment. Karate, based on maintainng symmetric movement, hand-eye coordination, posture and balance, requires children to concentrate for set periods of time, follow orders and copy specific movements. Hospital officials say group activities such as karate, allow children to recognize their limitations and require them to maintain a distance between their fellow classmates, by developing self-control and social skills. 'Research also shows decrease in violence' Children are initially examined by a physiotherapist to evaluate their motor skill functioning and movement skills and are then placed in groups suited for their specific needs. Head of hospital physiotherapy services Nili Arbel says the aim of the karate classes is to create a protective and normative environment for the child. “This will allow the child to combat motorial, emotional and social challenges without fear,” she says. Research indicates that correct intervention, such as therapeutic karate, assists in the treatment of a variety of social disorders such as motor skill functioning, low self-esteem and frustration-evoked violence, she says. “It has been found that this helps children significantly improve their functioning and self-confidence," she says. “An improvement is also recognized in their abilily to confront social issues, behavior, and learning abilities. A decrease in violence has also been reported.”