Physical Activity, Gut Microbiota, and Genetic Background for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Julio Plaza-Diaz1,2,3, Ana Mei Radar2,4, Aiman Tariq Baig2,4

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.

Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 23, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Physical activity may improve gut health and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms in children. Research explores the gut-brain axis, genetics, and microbiota to understand ASD and potential non-drug treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Microbiology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects 1 in 100 children globally.
  • Children with ASD often experience gut dysbiosis and gastrointestinal problems.
  • The gut-brain axis is increasingly recognized for its role in ASD pathophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the potential of physical activity as a non-pharmaceutical intervention for ASD.
  • To discuss the role of genetics and gut microbiota in ASD.
  • To investigate the impact of exercise on gastrointestinal issues and intestinal microbiota in children with ASD.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and discussion of existing research on ASD, gut microbiota, and physical activity.
  • Analysis of the gut-brain axis in relation to ASD.
  • Exploration of genetic and microbiota composition in ASD.

Main Results:

  • Physical activity positively influences gut microbiota in healthy adults.
  • The effect of exercise on gut health and ASD symptoms in children remains largely unknown.
  • Gut dysbiosis and gastrointestinal issues are common in children with ASD.

Conclusions:

  • Physical activity may be a promising avenue for improving ASD-related symptoms.
  • Understanding the gut-brain axis offers insights into ASD.
  • Further research is needed to confirm the benefits of exercise for children with ASD.

Keywords:
autism spectrum disorderchildrengeneticsintestinal microbiotaphysical activity

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