Examining the effectiveness of physical activity interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders - A systematic review

Obesity represents a significant threat to quality of life and overall health for typically and a typically developing children with those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) having obesity prevalence at least as high as their typically developing counterparts. A systematic review was conducted on publications describing physical activity interventions with children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We searched Ovid PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, PsycNET, Academic Search Complete, and CINAHL, as well as the citations of publications included in the study. Intervention characteristics such as study design, participant age, sample size, mode, frequency, duration, and intensity of activity were abstracted for review. Sixteen studies were selected for review. Aerobic and anaerobic activities were employed across school and community-based settings. Evidence suggests that increasing physical activity in children and adolescents with ASD is likely to improve BMI and physical fitness.