What impact do the adapted karate sessions have on the women who participate in Fight For Dignity’s workshops?
Since its inception, Fight for Dignity has sought to scientifically demonstrate the impact and benefits of adapted karate sessions on women who have experienced violence. That’s why an action-research project was launched in 2019, in collaboration with the Maison des Femmes de Saint-Denis and the University of Strasbourg.
Between April 2020 and June 2022, in collaboration with the teams at the Maison des Femmes de Saint-Denis, 20 out of 67 women agreed to take part in the procedure, despite the lockdowns. Each participant underwent two entry assessment interviews.
After this initial assessment (phase 1), all participants were then asked to practice adapted karate for four and a half months, at the rate of one session per week. They were contacted again for two further exit interviews (phase 2). All patients received regular medical, psychological, and social follow-ups while practicing adapted karate.
Three major results emerged :
- The first finding is that the mental health of those taking part in our study was severely impaired; most participants had average-to-high anxiety scores; 85% of participants were above the threshold for clinical anxiety according to the HAD scale (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale). Self-esteem was also severely impaired: 70% had a low self-esteem score.
- The months of care at the Maison des Femmes de Saint-Denis improved their mental health. There was a significant improvement in their scores for trauma, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.
- The practice of adapted karate provided significant benefits for those who participated in more than one session, i.e. 10 out of 17 women. The women who practiced karate had significantly lower anxiety than those who did not. The intensity of their post-traumatic stress was reduced, and there was an improvement in their depression and self-esteem.
The women not only showed a significant improvement in their anxiety and depression, but in their self-esteem as well. They also stressed the importance of a caring and open environment where they can make choices, with a supportive and reassuring teacher.
A second study has been underway since January 2024, this time to demonstrate the impact on reconnecting to the body. Unlike the first study, this one will be carried out in several workshops in France.
“Apport de la pratique du karaté adapté sur les femmes ayant vécu des violences” (Adapted Karate for Women Who Have Experienced Violence), Iris Trinkler, Samantha Vigne, and Fiona Schuliar.