Effects of a 12-week structured circuit exercise program on physical fitness levels of children with autism spectrum condition and typically developing children

This study aimed to determine the effects of a circuit exercise program on the physical fitness parameters of children with atypical autism spectrum condition (ASC) and typically developing (TD) children. Fourteen (14) boys with atypical autism (mean age: 10.07 ± 0.25 years; weight: 24.97 ± 0.64 kg;...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of developmental disabilities 2022, Vol.68 (4), p.500-510
Main Authors: Arslan, Ersin, Ince, Gonca, Akyüz, Murat
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Athletics
Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autistic children
BOT-2
Boys
Children
Competence
Coordination
Exercise
Flexibility
Foreign Countries
Males
Motor Development
Physical Activities
Physical Fitness
Program Effectiveness
Psychomotor Skills
Reaction time
Sports
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Summary:This study aimed to determine the effects of a circuit exercise program on the physical fitness parameters of children with atypical autism spectrum condition (ASC) and typically developing (TD) children. Fourteen (14) boys with atypical autism (mean age: 10.07 ± 0.25 years; weight: 24.97 ± 0.64 kg; height: 126.79 ± 1.33 cm) and 14 typically developing boys (mean age: 10.07 ± 0.30 years; weight: 26.97 ± 0.55 kg; height: 126.50 ± 0.62 cm) participated in the study. The children were divided into four groups using a random coin toss: Autism Exercise Group (AEG), Autism Control Group (ACG), Typically Developing Exercise Group (TDEG), and Typically Developing Control Group (TDCG). Testing parameters from the Bruininks-Oseretsky test of gross motor proficiency (BOT-2) included running speed and agility, balance, bilateral coordination, and the standing long jump. Handgrip strength (both sides), reaction times (visual and auditory), and flexibility tests were also performed. The exercise program consisted of three 60-minute sessions per week for 12 weeks, using the most-to-least prompting method. Significant improvements were observed for AEG in running speed and agility, balance, standing long jump, reaction times, handgrip strength, and flexibility (p 
ISSN:2047-3869
2047-3877
DOI:10.1080/20473869.2020.1819943