Journal Article

Effects of Physical Exercise on Gross Motor Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Cadena, Heidy Paola Garzón, Montenegro, Leidy Constanza González, Suárez, Diana Paola Montealegre, Castaño, Piedad Rocío Lerma, Vargas, Paola Andrea Samudio, González, Elizabeth Roldán, Robledo-Castro, Carolina, Hederich-Martínez, Christian

2024

Overview

Research shows many positive effects from physical exercise. The present study examined the impact of a structured physical exercise program compared to treatment as usual on the gross motor skills of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participants included 20 children, from 4 to 7 years old, who were assigned to two groups; an experimental group (n = 10) who received a structured physical exercise program for 60-min sessions, three times a week for eight weeks, and a control group (n = 10) who received conventional physiotherapy. Gross motor skills were assessed with the Abbreviated Development Scale -3 before and after the physical exercise program. The experimental group exhibited significant improvements in gross motor skills compared to the control group. This study suggests that structured physical exercise programs can improve gross motor skills in children with ASD.

• Publisher: Springer US,Springer,Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Applied Behavior Analysis / Autism / Autism Spectrum Disorder - physiopathology / Autism Spectrum Disorder - psychology / Autism Spectrum Disorder - therapy / Autism Spectrum Disorders / Autistic children / Behavior / Behavior Patterns / Behavioral Science and Psychology / Child / Child and School Psychology / Child Development / Child Health / Child, Preschool / Children / Control Groups / Demographic aspects / Evaluation / Exercise / Exercise - physiology / Exercise for children / Exercise Therapy - methods / Experimental Groups / Female / Groups / Health Behavior / Humans / Influence / Interpersonal Relationship / Male / Motor ability / Motor Development / Motor skill / Motor Skills - physiology / Motor task performance / Muscular Strength / Neurosciences / Original Paper / Parent Participation / Pediatrics / Physical fitness / Physical fitness for children / Physical therapy / Physiological aspects / Physiotherapy / Psychological Patterns / Psychology / Public Health / Rehabilitation Programs / Sensory Integration / Skills / Treatment Outcome