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Physical activity, sedentary behavior and their correlates in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A systematic
Rachel A Jones1,2, Katherine Downing1, Nicole J Rinehart3
1Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.
Insights
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) show varied physical activity and sedentary behavior levels. More research is needed to understand factors influencing these behaviors and to develop interventions for healthier lifestyles.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects approximately 2.5% of children, often leading to adverse health outcomes like obesity.
- Low physical activity and high sedentary behavior in children with ASD may significantly contribute to these health issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the prevalence and correlates of physical activity and sedentary behaviors among children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- To identify gaps in current research regarding physical activity and sedentary behavior in this population.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of peer-reviewed, English-language studies published up to November 2015.
- Searched major electronic databases: PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, EMBASE, and Medline.
- Included 35 studies, analyzing data on physical activity and sedentary behavior prevalence and correlates.
Main Results:
- Prevalence estimates for physical activity and sedentary behavior varied widely across studies.
- Average physical activity was 86 minutes/day; average screen time was 271 minutes/day, and total sedentary behavior averaged 479 minutes/day.
- Age showed a consistent inverse association with physical activity, while sex had inconsistent associations with both physical activity and sedentary behavior. Many studies had small sample sizes and high risk of bias.
Conclusions:
- Children with ASD exhibit considerable variation in physical activity and sedentary behavior levels.
- Current research is limited in consistently identifying correlates, particularly those related to the physical environment.
- There is an urgent need for further research to identify behavioral correlates and for interventions to promote healthy activity levels in children with ASD.
Abstract:
Autism Spectrum Disorder affects up to 2.5% of children and is associated with harmful health outcomes (e.g. obesity). Low levels of physical activity and high levels of sedentary behaviors may contribute to harmful health outcomes. To systematically review the prevalence and correlates of physical activity and sedentary behaviors in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, electronic databases (PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, EMBASE, Medline) were searched from inception to November 2015. The review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42014013849). Peer-reviewed, English language studies were included. Two reviewers screened potentially relevant articles. Outcomes of interest were physical activity and sedentary behaviour levels and their potential correlates. Data were collected and analysed in 2015. Of 35 included studies, 15 reported physical activity prevalence, 10 reported physical activity correlates, 18 reported sedentary behavior prevalence, and 10 reported sedentary behavior correlates. Estimates of children's physical activity (34-166 mins/day, average 86 mins/day) and sedentary behavior (126-558 mins/day in screen time, average 271 mins/day; 428-750 mins/day in total sedentary behavior, average 479 mins/day) varied across studies. Age was consistently inversely associated, and sex inconsistently associated with physical activity. Age and sex were inconsistently associated with sedentary behavior. Sample sizes were small. All but one of the studies were classified as having high risk of bias. Few correlates have been reported in sufficient studies to provide overall estimates of associations. Potential correlates in the physical environment remain largely unexamined. This review highlights varying levels of physical activity and sedentary behavior in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Research is needed to consistently identify the correlates of these behaviors. There is a critical need for interventions to support healthy levels of these behaviors.
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