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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 2, 2026

Physical Activity Measurement in Children Accepting Table Tennis Training

Physical Activity Measurement in Children Accepting Table Tennis Training

Published on: July 27, 2022

Improved executive function and sleep quality in preteens with high-functioning autism following a structured

Miriam Richter^1,2,3, Marie K Taylor^1,3,4, Sofia Åkerlund²

¹Division of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.

Frontiers in Psychiatry

|April 1, 2026

Summary

Structured physical activity may improve executive functioning, sensory processing, and sleep quality in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This program benefits children with high-functioning ASD who are not regularly active.

Keywords:

ASD CANTAB actigraphy autism spectrum disorder cognition physical activity sleep

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Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood

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Published on: October 2, 2019

Area of Science:

Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Pediatric Psychology
Exercise Science

Background:

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often present with cognitive, sensory, and sleep challenges.
These challenges can impact daily functioning and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the impact of a structured physical activity program on psychological symptoms, cognitive function, and sleep in children with high-functioning ASD.
To assess changes in executive functioning, sensory processing, and sleep quality.

Main Methods:

Exploratory prospective study with a single-arm pre-post design.
Intervention involved a 10-12 week structured physical activity program for children aged 10-14 years with high-functioning ASD.
Assessments included parent-reported questionnaires, computerized cognitive testing (CANTAB), and actigraphy for sleep monitoring.

Main Results:

Parents reported improvements in executive functioning and sensory processing.
Objective cognitive testing showed tentative improvements in planning and problem-solving.
Actigraphy data indicated enhanced sleep quality, with a reduced fragmentation index.

Conclusions:

A structured physical activity program shows potential benefits for children with high-functioning ASD.
Improvements were observed in executive functioning, sensory processing, and sleep quality.
The program is particularly relevant for children with ASD who are not regularly physically active.