Exercise Interventions for Autistic People: An Integrative Review of Evidence from Clinical Trials

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Behavioral Science
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents diverse challenges in social interaction, communication, and behavior.
• Understanding the efficacy of interventions like physical exercise is crucial for improving quality of life for autistic individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent randomized controlled trial (RCT) research on the effects of physical exercise on functioning in autistic individuals.
• To identify areas where exercise interventions show promise and where further research is needed.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
• Integration of findings from meta-analyses and clinical trials.

Main Results:

• Physical exercise interventions demonstrate positive impacts on social and communication skills in autistic children and adolescents.
• Improvements observed in executive functioning and sleep-related behaviors for autistic children and adolescents.
• Evidence suggests potential benefits for physical health, but limited RCT data exists for autistic adults, girls/women, and those with intellectual disabilities.
• Insufficient RCT evidence on exercise for reducing negative emotional symptoms in any autistic population.

Conclusions:

• Convincing evidence supports exercise programs for improving functioning in autistic children and adolescents.
• Further research is essential to establish the benefits of exercise for autistic adults and specific underrepresented subgroups.
• Tailoring exercise interventions may be necessary to address the diverse needs within the autistic population.