The Fitness Effects Of A School-based Exercise Program On Children With Autism.

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of a school-based exercise program on the fitness level of elementary school children who attend an autism class. METHODS: A total of 35 (7.66 years ± 2.1) children with a diagnosis of autism were recruited for this study. Prior to and on completion of the exercise intervention the fitness levels of the children was assessed using the Modified Eurofit Physical Fitness Battery, including a 20m Sprint, Stork Balance test, Standing Broad Jump, Sit & Reach and a Hand Grip Strength Test. The exercise program was 8 weeks duration, with the children partaking in 3, 1-hour supervised sessions per week. The intervention was comprised of push and pull upper and lower body exercises and incorporated fundamental movement skills. These movements were achieved through games aimed at the interests of the children and were adapted to each child's specific needs through the use of visual aids using an iPad. The data were analysed using paired t-tested. RESULTS: All variables except Hand Grip strength significantly improved (p< 0.05) over the eight-week period. 20m sprint times improved (p< 0.05) by 0.46s ± 1.36. The Stork balance test significantly improved (p< 0.05) by 17.82s ± 38.86. The standing broad jump significantly increased (p< 0.05) by 14.54cm ± 20.29. The Sit and Reach score significantly increased (p< 0.05) by 3.05cm ± 4.51. No significant (p> 0.05) change was noted in the Hand Grip strength which increased by 0.38psi ± 1.38. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary findings indicate that an 8-week school-based exercise intervention can significantly improve selected fitness variables in children with autism.