Muscle strength and executive function in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

The development of effective (non-pharmacological) treatment approaches for executive dysfunction in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) requires evidence that factors influencing this domain can be modified by behavioral interventions. The present cross-sectional study investigated the relative associations of ASD, muscle strength and body mass index with executive function and information processing among the Healthy Brain Network cohort. Patients with ASD (N = 174) and healthy peers (N = 202) aged 5 to 18 years completed cognitive tasks of the NIH toolbox (Pattern Comparison, Flanker, List Sorting, Card Sorting) to assess core components of executive function and information processing. Additionally, anthropometrics and muscle strength were collected from selected items (push-ups, curl-ups, trunk lift, and grip strength) of the Fitnessgram battery. Based on structural equation modeling, ASD was related to impaired muscle strength and executive function, when confounders (age, sex, pubertal status, and socioeconomic status) were accounted for. Muscle strength further showed independent contributions to information processing and executive function. This association was moderated by ASD, so that higher muscle strength was related to higher executive function in ASD patients only. The present findings provide a first indication that the promotion of muscle strength may have the potential to generally enhance information processing and to reduce ASD-related executive dysfunction in children and adolescents. Lay SummaryIn comparison to healthy peers, children with ASD showed impairments in executive function and muscle strength. Moreover, higher muscle strength was independently associated with better executive function, but only in ASD patients. This is a first indication that the promotion of muscle strength, for example, by regular exercise, could contribute to a reduction of ASD-related executive dysfunction.

Association between Physical Fitness Index and Psychological Symptoms in Chinese Children and Adolescents

“…Studies have shown that among various factors leading to death, death due to reduced physical fitness and reduced exercise time has become the fourth most prevalent [ 22 ]. Research also shows that people with higher muscle strength have improved psychological symptoms, and the two are positively correlated [ 23 , 24 ]. A survey conducted by Tao et al [ 25 ] of 5453 middle school students in China showed that low- to moderate-intensity physical activity was a protective factor for depression in children and adolescents.…”

Effects of Square-Stepping Exercise on Motor and Cognitive Skills in Autism Spectrum Disorder Children and Adolescents: A Study Protocol

“…The relationship between motor performance and movement quality is closely related to the severity level of the disorder [ 67 , 68 ]. Moreover, motor [ 35 , 37 , 43 ], sensory [ 69 ], cognitive [ 46 ], and socio-communicative skills impairments [ 45 , 70 , 71 , 72 ] impact the development of their occupations, including activities of daily living, learning, leisure, and social participation in their communities [ 73 , 74 ]. If this program is effective, it should be implemented in schools, clinics, and associations specialising in the education and treatment of ASD individuals because it is an innovative and easy-to-apply program, resulting in a tool for the improvement of the aforementioned skills and the inclusion of these children and adolescents.…”

“…[ 44 ]. Therefore, it seems important to provide children with autism with opportunities for movement to enhance their motor, cognitive, and social development [ 45 , 46 ].…”

Associations between Physical Fitness Index and Body Mass Index in Tibetan Children and Adolescents in Different High-Altitude Areas: Based on a Study in Tibet, China

“…The physical fitness of children and adolescents mainly includes cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, speed quality and flexibility. In the past, studies on the physical fitness of children and adolescents often used a certain physical fitness project for research, which could not fully reflect the physical fitness level of children and adolescents, so there were certain limitations [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. For example, a study analyzed the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and waist circumference in Chinese children and adolescents; cardiorespiratory fitness was measured by 20 m shuttle run test, and the analysis showed that the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and waist circumference showed an inverted “U” curve [ 8 ].…”