Physical Activity of Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

A preliminary study was conducted to investigate the physical activity status of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related demographic characteristics. Thirty-four parents completed the IPAQ-S and demographic survey. Mean metabolic equivalent-minutes per week (MET-min/week) across participants was 3371. Significant correlations were found between parent's age and moderate (=.287, p=.034) and vigorous (=.318, p=.020) physical activity minutes as well as vigorous (=.308, p=.021) and total (=.366, p=.005) MET-min/week. Similarly, significant correlations were found between child's age and walking minutes (=.412, p=.002), walking MET-min/week (=.380, p=.005) and total MET-min/week (=.342, p=.010). This study provides current evidence about the physical activity participation of parents of children with ASD, and demonstrates a need for further research exploring barriers and facilitators towards physical activity for this population.