Effects of physical exercise on Autism Spectrum Disorder

Full APA Citation: Sowa, M., & Meulenbroek, R. (2011). Effects of physical exercise on Autism

Spectrum Disorder: A meta-analysis. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 5(1), 1-13.

Retrieved June 3, 2016, from http://www.socsci.ru.nl/meulenbroek/Publications/RASD516.pdf
Permanent URL: http://www.socsci.ru.nl/meulenbroek/Publications/RASD516.pdf
Overview of Topic/Article:

In this meta-analysis sixteen behavioral studies reporting on a total of 133 children and
adults with various variants of the syndrome who were offered structured physical activities
either in an individual or a group context. Throughout this article, the authors try to find out what
is the impact of physical exercise on autism spectrum diagnosed individuals. Individuals with
ASD have trouble with communication. motor performance, and social interactions. Thus
making it difficult to participate in physical activities striving on these aspects. Although, not
impossible with practice and persistence it can be done.
Key Points/Findings [bulleted list]:
-The overall picture that emerged from the available results up until 1998 is that physical

exercise not only improves the physical condition but also reduces the maladaptive behavioral
patterns of people with ASD (Lancioni & OReilly, 1998).
-The health risks that come along with ASD will also be decreased with physical exercise which
is very important.
-Physical exercise has been proven to be beneficial to the other factors that come along with
ASD.
-The social part of ASD is addressed when completing physical exercise in that it usually gets
you out of your house and in the community.
-Communication skills come along with the social piece allowing ASD individuals to have
something to socialize with the community about.
-Motor skills will also be addressed with hand eye coordination especially in any physical
exercise that requires more thought.
-In team sports players support each other (Lox, Martin, & Petruzzello, 2010) and group
activities facilitate social behavior and communication skills, as Walker, Barry, and Bader (2010)
showed: after attending a Summer Treatment Camp for four weeks the social and
communication skills of children with ASD had improved (Sowa, Meulenbroek, 211).
Implications to Current/Future Practitioners [bulleted list]:
-The discussion showed sixteen studies describing exercise-based interventions reported positive

and promising effects in two of the three core symptom domains: motor and social deficits.
-Results pertaining to communication skills were insufficient to allow systematic evaluation.
-It seems as if there were a lot of complications while testing their hypothesis.
-This may be because each individual with ASD is very different with different behaviors and
delays.
-The treatments and behavioral support plans are also very different.