Effects of Physical Activity on Cognition, Behavior, and Motor Skills in Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review of Intervention Studies.

Publisher: MDPI AG Country of Publication: Switzerland NLM ID: 101576826 Publication Model: Electronic Cited Medium: Print ISSN: 2076-328X (Print) Linking ISSN: 2076328X NLM ISO Abbreviation: Behav Sci (Basel) Subsets: PubMed not MEDLINE

Original Publication: Basel, Switzerland : MDPI AG

The aim of this paper was to analyze the acute and chronic effects of physical activity (PA) on cognition, behavior, and motor skill in youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), taking into account potential confounders. In addition, it was intended to elaborate a guide of educational applications with strategies for PA use. Studies were identified in four databases from January 2010 to June 2023. A total of 19 interventional studies met the inclusion criteria. PA programs ranged from two weeks to one year in duration, with a frequency of one to five sessions per week. More than 58% of the studies showed positive effects of PA on cognition, and 45.5% on behavior and motor skill. Moderate-vigorous PA for 15-30 min has shown acute effects on cognition, general behavior, and stereotypic/repetitive behaviors in youth with ASD. A total of 9 out of 14 studies showed chronic effects on general behavior and stereotypic behaviors, and only 6 on motor skills.

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AP-2016-07226 the University Teaching Staff Programme, implemented by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport of the Spanish Government

Keywords: ASD; academic performance; adolescent; cognitive performance; physical exercise; stereotypic and repetitive movements

Date Created: 20240426 Latest Revision: 20240428

20240428

PMC11047543

10.3390/bs14040330

38667126