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The Effect of Music on Exercise Intensity among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study
Ashley C Woodman1, Emily Breviglia2, Yumiko Mori3
1Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 135 Hicks Way, Amherst, MA 01003, USA. awoodman@psych.umass.edu.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|March 3, 2018
Summary
Music can enhance exercise intensity in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Slow-tempo music during structured exercise periods showed the greatest impact on exercise intensity for children with ASD.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Exercise Science
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
- Behavioral Psychology
Background:
- Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face challenges including obesity, sleep disorders, and stereotypic behaviors.
- Exercise is beneficial for children with ASD, but motivation remains a significant barrier.
- Limited research explores motivational techniques, particularly the role of music, during physical activity for this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of different music tempos on exercise intensity in elementary school students with ASD.
- To compare exercise intensity during structured versus unstructured exercise periods.
- To explore how student characteristics influence the response to music during exercise.
Main Methods:
- A group of 13 elementary school students with ASD participated in a six-day study.
- Exercise intensity was measured using accelerometers, quantifying Metabolic Equivalent of Tasks (METs).
- Three randomized music conditions (no music, slow-tempo, fast-tempo) were implemented during structured and unstructured exercise sessions.
Main Results:
- Exercise intensity was significantly higher during structured exercise periods compared to unstructured ones.
- Slow-tempo music led to the greatest exercise intensity overall.
- Student characteristics, such as adaptive and maladaptive behaviors, moderated the effect of music tempo on exercise intensity.
Conclusions:
- Structured exercise with slow-tempo music appears to be an effective strategy for increasing exercise intensity in children with ASD.
- Individual student characteristics play a role in optimizing music-based exercise interventions.
- Further research can leverage music to improve physical activity engagement and health outcomes in children with ASD.
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