Impact of physical exercise on behavioral and social features in individuals with autism spectrum disorder
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15561/26649837.2024.0309Keywords:
autism spectrum disorder, exercise, physical activity, psychological, healthAbstract
Background and Study Aim. Physical exercise is linked with several physical and psychological health advantages. A range of investigations has revealed the presence of a significant association between physical exercise and indicative improvements in subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This systematic review aims to update the literature about the impact of physical exercise interventions on social, behavioral, and other outcomes for individuals with ASD. Materials and Methods. The study design followed the PRISMA guidelines. A systematic search of electronic databases—PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Jane Publications—was performed from 2010 to December 2023. We searched for related research papers in English using keywords 'Autism Spectrum Disorder,' 'exercise,' and 'physical activity. Results. This systematic review employed a four-stage screening process, which resulted in the inclusion of 18 trial studies. The intervention period varied from three to forty-eight weeks, with a frequency of 3-7 times per week. The results demonstrated that physical exercise had a substantial positive impact on communication, social interaction, and motor skills in subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Conclusions. This review supports physical exercise as a powerful tool in decreasing stereotypical behaviors, and in improving social communication and motor skills in subjects diagnosed with ASD. Regular physical exercise therapy can have a greater effect on improving the quality of life for ASD subjects.References
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders; 2000.
Benedetti-Isaac J, Camargo L, Cardenas FP, Lopez N. Effectiveness of deep brain stimulation in refractory and drug-resistant aggressiveness in autism Spectrum disorder. Res Autism Spectr Disord, 2023; 102:102131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2023.102131
Bremer E, Crozier M, Lloyd M. A systematic review of the behavioural outcomes following exercise interventions for children and youth with autism Spectrum disorder. Autism, 2016; 20(8):899–915. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361315616002
Sowa M &Meulenbroek R. Effects of physical exercise on autism spectrum disorders: a meta-analysis. Res Autism Spect Dis, 2012; 6:46–57. /doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2011.09.001
Alhowikan AM. Benefits of physical activity for autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review. Saudi Journal of Sports Medicine, 2016; 16(3):163. https://doi.org/10.4103/1319-6308.187558
Sorensen C &Zarrett N. Benefits of physical activity for adolescents with autism spectrum disorders: a comprehensive review. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2014; 1(4): 344–353. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-014-0027-4
Zhao M, Chen S. The effects of structured physical activity program on social interaction and communication for children with autism. Biomed Res Int, 2018; 2018:1–13. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/1825046
Young S, Furgal K. Exercise Effects in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Short Review. Autism Open Access, 2016; 6(3). https://doi.org/10.4172/2165-7890.1000180
Lang R, Koegel LK, Ashbaugh K, Regester A, Ence W, Smith W. Physical exercise and individuals with autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review. Res Autism Spectr Disord, 2010; 4:565–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2010.01.006
Pan C-Y. Effects of water exercise swimming program on aquatic skills and social behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorders. Autism, 2010; 14 (1): 9–28. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361309339496
Wuang YP, Wang CC, Huang MH, Su CY. The effectiveness of simulated developmental horse-riding program in children with autism. Adapt PhysActiv Q, 2010; 27(2):113–126. https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.27.2.113
Pan C-Y. The efficacy of an aquatic program on physical fitness and aquatic skills in children with and without autism spectrum disorders. Res Autism Spect Dis, 2011; 5:657–665. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2010.08.001
Toscano CVA, Ferreira JP, Quinaud, RT, Silva KMN, Carvalho HM, Gaspar JM. Exercise improves the social and behavioral skills of children and adolescent with autism spectrum disorders. Front Psychiatry, 2022; 13: 1027799. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1027799
Hamm J, Yun J. Influence of physical activity on the health-related quality of life of young adults with and without autism spectrum disorder. Disability and Rehabilitation, 2019;41(7):763-769. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2017.1408708
Bahrami F, Movahedi A, Marandi SM, & Sorensen C. The effect of karate techniques training on communication deficit of children with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2016; 46(3), 978–986, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2643-y
Rogers L, Hemmeter ML, Wolery M. Using a constant time delay procedure to teach foundational swimming skills to children with autism. Top Early Child Spec Educ. 2010; 30(2):102–11. doi.org/10.1177/0271121410369708
Pitetti KH, Rendoff AD, Grover T, Beets MW. The efficacy of a 9-month treadmill walking program on the exercise capacity and weight reduction for adolescents with severe autism. J Autism DevDisord, 2007; 37(6):997–1006. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-006-0238-3
Anderson-Hanley C, Tureck K, Schneiderman RL. Autism and exergaming: effects on repetitive behaviors and cognition. Psychol Res Behav Manag, 2011; 4:129–137. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S24016
Azar NR McKeen P, Carr K, Chad A. Sutherland, Sean Horton. Impact of Motor Skills Training in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and an Intellectual Disability. Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 2016; 22 (1).
Hillier A, Murphy D, Ferrara C. A Pilot Study: Short‐term Reduction in Salivary Cortisol Following Low Level Physical Exercise and Relaxation among Adolescents and Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum. Stress and Health, 2011; 27: 395–402. Https://doi.org/.org/10.1002/smi.1391
Jia S, Guo C, Li S, Zhou X, Wang X and Wang Q. The effect of physical exercise on disordered social communication in individuals with autism Spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front. Pediatr, 2023; 11:1193648. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2023.1193648
Yano N and Hosokawa K. The importance of comprehensive support based on the three pillars of exercise, nutrition, and sleep for improving core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. Front. Psychiatry, 2023; 14:1119142. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1119142
Ferreira J P, Ghiarone T, Júnior CRC, Furtado GE, Carvalho HM, Machado-Rodrigues AM and et al. Effects of Physical Exercise on the Stereotyped Behavior of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Medicina, 2019; 55, 685. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55100685
Huang J, Du C, Liu J, Tan G. Meta-analysis on intervention effects of physical activities on children and adolescents with autism. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2020; 17:1950. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17061950
Watson A, Timperio A, Brown H, Best K and Hesketh KD. Effect of classroom-based physical activity interventions on academic and physical activity outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis, International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 2017; 14:114. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-017-0569-9
Liberati A, Altman DG, Tetzla J, Mulrow C, Gøtzsche PC, Ioannidis J.PA. et al. The PRISMA Statement for Reporting Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Studies That Evaluate Health Care Interventions: Explanation and Elaboration. PLoS Med, 2009; 6, e1000100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.2009.06.006
Tse AC, Lee PH, Zhang J, Chan R C, Ho A W, Lai E W. Effects of exercise on sleep, melatonin level, and behavioral functioning in children with autism. Autism, 2022; 26(7):1712–1722. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613211062952
Tse ACY. Brief Report: Impact of a Physical Exercise Intervention on Emotion Regulation and Behavioral Functioning in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord, 2020; 50(11):4191–4198. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04418-2
Castaño PRL, Suárez DPM, González ER, Castro CR, Martínez CH, Cadena HPG, et al. Effects of Physical Exercise on Gross Motor Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-023-06031-5
Tse CYA, Pang CL, Lee PH. Choosing an Appropriate Physical Exercise to Reduce Stereotypic Behavior in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Non-randomized Crossover Study. J Autism Dev Disord, 2018;48(5):1666–1672. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-017-3419-3
Ye Q, Hu G-Y, YB Cai, Zhang GW, Xu K, Qu T, et al. Structural exercise-based intervention for health problems in individuals with autism spectrum disorders: a pilot study. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci, 2019;23(10):4313–4320. https://doi.org/10.26355/eurrev_201905_17937
Tse AC, Liu VH, Lee PH, Anderson DI, Lakes KD. The relationships among executive functions, self-regulation, and physical exercise in children with autism spectrum disorder. Autism, 2023; https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613231168944
Tse ACY, Liu VHL, Lee PH. Investigating the Matching Relationship between Physical Exercise and Stereotypic Behavior in Children with Autism. Med Sci Sports Exerc, 2021; 1;53(4):770–775. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000002525
Toscano CVA., Carvalho H.M, Ferreira J.P. Exercise Effects for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Metabolic Health, Autistic Traits, and Quality of Life. Percept. Mot. Skills, 2018;125:126–146. https://doi.org/10.1177/0031512517743823
Rafie F, Ghasemi A, Jam AZ, Jalali S. Effect of exercise intervention on the perceptual-motor skills in adolescents with autism. J Sports Med Phys Fitness, 2017;57(1-2):53–59. https://doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.16.05919-3
Tse ACY, Lee HP, Chan KSK, Edgar VB, Smith AW, Lai WHE. Examining the impact of physical activity on sleep quality and executive functions in children with autism spectrum disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Autism, 2019;23(7):1699–1710. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361318823910
Arslan E, Ince G, Akyüz M. Effects of a 12-week structured circuit exercise program on physical fitness levels of children with autism spectrum condition and typically developing children. Int J Dev Disabil, 2020;17;68(4):500–510. https://doi.org/10.1080/20473869.2020.1819943
Brand S, Jossen S, Trachsler EH, Pühse U, Gerber M. Impact of aerobic exercise on sleep and motor skills in children with autism spectrum disorders - a pilot study. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat, 2015; 5:11:1911–20. https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S85650
Ji C, Yang J, Lin L, Chen S. Executive Function Improvement for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Comparative Study between Virtual Training and Physical Exercise Methods. Children (Basel), 2022; 3;9(4):507. https://doi.org/10.3390/children9040507
Yu CCW, Wong SWL, Lo FSF, So RCH and Chan DFY. Study protocol: a randomized controlled trial study on the effect of a game-based exercise training program on promoting physical fitness and mental health in children with autism spectrum disorder. BMC Psychiatry, 2018; 18:56. doi.org/10.1186/s12888-018-1635-9
Lourenço C; Esteves D; Corredeira R. Seabra A. The effect of a trampoline-based training program on the muscle strength of the inferior limbs and motor proficiency in children with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 2015; 15(3):592–597. https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2015.03089
Lourenço C, Esteves D. Inclusion Strategies: A Trampoline Program For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. 2021. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-798851/v1
Olin S S, Mcfadden BA, Golem DL, Pellegrino JK, Walker AJ, Sanders DJ, et al. The Effects of Exercise Dose on Stereotypical Behavior in Children with Autism. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc, 49 (5): 2017; 983–990. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000001197
Hattier M.A, Matson JL, Macmillan K, Williams L. Stereotyped Behaviours in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Atypical Development as Measured by the BPI-01. Dev. Neurorehabil, 2013; 16:291–300. https://doi.org/10.3109/17518423.2012.727107
Su WC, Amonkar N, Cleffi C, Srinivasan S, Bhat A. Neural effects of physical activity and movement interventions in individuals with developmental disabilities-a systematic review. Front Psych, 2022; 13:794652. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.794652
Bull FC, Al-Ansari SS, Biddle S, Borodulin K, Buman MP, Cardon G, et al. World Health Organization guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Br J Sports Med, 2020; 54:1451–62. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2020-102955
Tse ACY, Lee PH, Zhang J, Lai EWH. Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial examining the association between physical activity and sleep quality in children with autism spectrum disorder based on the melatonin-mediated mechanism model. BMJ Open, 2018; 8: e020944. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020944
Shedlock K., Susi A., Gorman G.H., Hisle-Gorman E., Erdie-Lalena C.R., Nylund C.M. Autism Spectrum Disorders and Metabolic Complications of Obesity. J. Pediatr, 2016; 178:183–187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2016.07.055.
Dutta SS. Hippocampus Functions [Internet]. News-Medical: 2019 [updated 2023 Jun; cited 2023 Sep 28]. Available from: https://www.news-medical.net/health/Hippocampus-Functions.aspx
Deweerdt S. Memory hub could underlie social, cognitive quirks of autism: Spectrum: Autism research news [Internet]. 2018. [updated 2023 Jun; cited 2023 Sep 28]. Available from: https://www.spectrumnews.org/news/memory-hub-underlie-social-cognitive-quirksautism/
Bamidis PD, Vivas AB, Styliadis C, Frantzidis C, Klados M, Schlee W, et al. A review of physical and cognitive interventions in aging. Neurosci Biobehav Rev, 2014; 44:206–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.03.019
Fissler P, Küster O, Schlee W, Kolassa IT. Novelty interventions to enhance broad cognitive abilities and prevent dementia: synergistic approaches for the facilitation of positive plastic change. Prog Brain Res, 2013; 207:403–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-444-63327-9.00017-5
Herold F, Hamacher D, Schega L, Müller NG. Thinking while moving or moving while thinking - concepts of motor-cognitive training for cognitive performance enhancement. Front Aging Neurosci, 2018; 10:228. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2018.00228
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Dost M. Halepoto, Nadra E. Elamin, Abdulrahman M. Alhowikan, Aurangzeb T. Halepota, Laila Y. AL-Ayadhi
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Copyright Holder - Author(s). more
Abstract views: 1984 / PDF downloads: 1076
