Effects of Physical Activity on Social, Behavioral, and Cognitive Skills in Children and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Systematic Review of the Literature

Hynes, Janette; Block, Martin E.

doi:10.1007/s40489-022-00319-5

Cited by 18 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 52 publications

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“…Studies have highlighted the efficacy of specific activities such as combat sports in managing emotions [10, 21, 22]. Previous research by Bremer [26] and Bahrami [26] has also emphasized the positive effects associated with martial arts and horse riding [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28]. Moreover, team sports and games, with their inherent social cooperation aspects, have shown compelling results [2], and previously DeJesus [26] reported the effectiveness of rhythmic exercises in enhancing communication and overall psychological well-being [2], while aerobic exercises conducted just before lessons have been linked to improved academic performance in children [29].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Additionally, the duration of activities varied notably across studies, ranging from 45 to 90 minutes [10]. Hynes and Block [28] reported an average program length of 11 weeks, comprising 3.2 sessions per week, each lasting 50 minutes, suggesting various potentially effective procedures.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Future research should prioritize defining optimal parameters for PA tailored to individuals with ASD, aligning with WHO guidelines advocating for a minimum of 60 daily minutes of PA, while acknowledging variations based on the severity of ASD [5, 30]. Integrating biological research with PA studies can provide deeper insights into its effects, particularly regarding social interactions [28]. Investigating psychological factors influencing PA engagement and reviewing methodologies for better assessments remain critical.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Examining the potential of PA to alleviate early developmental challenges is another crucial avenue for exploration [27, 36]. Highlighting factors that encourage continued engagement with PA, including family involvement, community education, and the roles of PA educators, is pivotal [28]. Exploring how familial dynamics foster participation in sports and PA at home poses an intriguing area for investigation.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The role of physical activity and sport in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Zborowska

2024

Sports Psychiatry

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Background: Various health-related benefits of physical activity (PA) in children and adolescents have been reported, with suggestions that PA could effectively address certain deficits found in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, there remains insufficient engagement in PA among individuals with ASD, and barriers to accessing PA persist. Objective: This study aims to review PA interventions (types, frequencies, and durations) in ASD over the last five years and discuss their effects. Methods: Searches were conducted in the PubMed database from October to December 2022 using Mesh Terms: “adolescent” OR “children” AND “sport” OR “physical activity” AND “mental health” AND/OR “autism.” Results were critically appraised using PEDro and Cochrane’s ROB-2, categorized into five stages to assess potential bias. Results: A total of ten papers were included and appraised, examining various types of PA. Primary benefits observed in children and adolescents included the development of social skills, reduction of autistic traits, regulation of emotions, and management of behaviour and cognition. Conclusions: Evidence indicates that PA can effectively address some neuropsychological deficits in ASD. Additionally, managing and protecting against metabolic conditions through PA can significantly enhance overall health.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The role of physical activity and sport in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Zborowska

2024

Sports Psychiatry

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“…Visual arts seems to have a positive impact on their social skills and show a unique ability to help individuals with ASD to overcome difficulties arising from the stress of interacting with other people (Martin, 2007). In addition, an adapted exercise program, which is widely used in CECDs settings, seems to offer both physical and behavior benefits (Ruggeri et al , 2020; Hynes and Block, 2022). Art is important in overcoming persistent social and communication limitations associated with ASD (Kaiser and Deaver, 2013), whereas adapted physical activity interventions are related to physical fitness and motor development, decrease of stereotyped behaviors and positive social and emotional effects (Pan, 2009).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The effect of a visual arts and exercise program on communication and social skills of students with autism spectrum disorders

Broupi,

Kokaridas,

Tsimaras

et al. 2023

AIA

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Purpose Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) present challenges in their social and communication skills such as difficulties in developing interpersonal relationships and verbal and nonverbal communication; repetitive and restricted behaviors concerning resistance to environmental change, stereotyped movements and unusual reactions to sensory stimuli; and significant delays in motor development and performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a combined visual arts and exercise program on the communication and social behavior skills of people with ASD. Design/methodology/approach The research was conducted in a Creative Employment Center of People with Disabilities, and the sample consisted of 18 participants with ASD divided randomly into a control group (CG) (n = 8) and an experiment group (EG) (n = 10). The Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) was used prior and after the implementation of the intervention program. EG participants attended an intervention program, whereas CG individuals followed their daily routine activities, and they only completed the SCQ prior and after the program. Findings EG demonstrated statically significant improvements in communication skills and social behavior, compared to the results of the CG. Furthermore, participants with Asperger’s syndrome showed a higher improvement rate compared to participants with autism, while no statistically significant differences were noticed concerning gender and age of the participants. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to investigate the effect of a combined visual arts and adapted physical activity program on the social and communication skills of people with ASD.

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Participation and Experiences in Extracurricular Activities for Autistic and Neurotypical Children

Farrell,

Slaughter,

McAuliffe

et al. 2023

J Autism Dev Disord

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Participation in Organised Extracurricular Social Activities (OESA) can provide positive outcomes for children. This study investigated whether children aged 4 to 12 years diagnosed with autism differ in their OESA participation and experience compared to neurotypical peers. Parents of autistic children (n = 35) and those of neurotypical peers (n = 171) responded to questions that asked them to reflect on their child’s participation and experiences in OESAs. Parents of autistic children reported significantly less OESA participation compared to parents of neurotypical children. Additionally, when evaluating factors that facilitated OESA participation, parents of autistic children rated their child’s individual abilities and behaviour, the OESA’s features, and the social environment less positively, compared to parents of neurotypical children. OESA participation and experiences differ for autistic and neurotypical children. This study identifies factors that can be adjusted to mitigate this difference.

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Effects of Physical Activity on Social, Behavioral, and Cognitive Skills in Children and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Systematic Review of the Literature

Cited by 18 publications

References 52 publications

The role of physical activity and sport in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

The role of physical activity and sport in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

The effect of a visual arts and exercise program on communication and social skills of students with autism spectrum disorders

Participation and Experiences in Extracurricular Activities for Autistic and Neurotypical Children

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