Review finds physical activity may improve autistic children's motor and social skills
A systematic review published Oct. 31 examined 64 randomized controlled trials of physical-activity interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The authors reported generally positive motor and social outcomes, but 53.1% of studies were rated at high risk of bias and differences among outcomes prevented pooled estimates.
Dove Medical Press published the systematic review on Oct. 31, covering 64 randomized controlled trials of physical-activity interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder. The authors reported improvements in gross motor outcomes in 43 of the 64 studies (67.2%) and in social skills in 34 (53.1%).1
The review rated no included study as low risk of bias; 30 had some concerns and 34 were rated high risk. The authors also said differences in outcome measures prevented quantitative pooling and constrained direct comparisons.1
For trainers working with children with autism, the review covered formats including dance, swimming, yoga and sports, but its bias and heterogeneity caveats matter when interpreting the reported outcomes.1
