Purpose

This study aimed to determine the effects of a circuit exercise program on the physical fitness parameters of children with atypical autism spectrum condition (ASC) and typically developing (TD) children.

Method

Fourteen (14) boys with atypical autism (mean age: 10.07 ± 0.25 years; weight: 24.97 ± 0.64 kg; height: 126.79 ± 1.33 cm) and 14 typically developing boys (mean age: 10.07 ± 0.30 years; weight: 26.97 ± 0.55 kg; height: 126.50 ± 0.62 cm) participated in the study. The children were divided into four groups using a random coin toss: Autism Exercise Group (AEG), Autism Control Group (ACG), Typically Developing Exercise Group (TDEG), and Typically Developing Control Group (TDCG). Testing parameters from the Bruininks-Oseretsky test of gross motor proficiency (BOT-2) included running speed and agility, balance, bilateral coordination, and the standing long jump. Handgrip strength (both sides), reaction times (visual and auditory), and flexibility tests were also performed. The exercise program consisted of three 60-minute sessions per week for 12 weeks, using the most-to-least prompting method.

Findings

Significant improvements were observed for AEG in running speed and agility, balance, standing long jump, reaction times, handgrip strength, and flexibility (p < 0.05). For TDEG, only the standing long jump scores failed to significantly improve (p < .05). Comparing AEG and TDEG pre- and post-test results, the former showed 30% greater development with respect to balance, standing long jump, auditory reaction time, and handgrip strength (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Based on the significant improvements in physical fitness parameters of AEG, we recommend that children with ASC start sports training immediately when diagnosed with autism and participate in structured physical activities with their peers.

中文翻译：

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为期 12 周的结构化循环锻炼计划对自闭症谱系儿童和正常发育儿童身体健康水平的影响

目的

本研究旨在确定循环锻炼计划对非典型自闭症谱系 (ASC) 和典型发育 (TD) 儿童的身体健康参数的影响。

方法

十四 (14) 名非典型自闭症男孩（平均年龄：10.07 ± 0.25 岁；体重：24.97 ± 0.64 公斤；身高：126.79 ± 1.33 厘米）和 14 名发育正常的男孩（平均年龄：10.07 ± 0.30 岁；体重：26.97 ± 0.55公斤；身高：126.50 ± 0.62 厘米）参加了研究。使用随机抛硬币将孩子分为四组：自闭症锻炼组 (AEG)、自闭症控制组 (ACG)、典型发展锻炼组 (TDEG) 和典型发展控制组 (TDCG)。Bruininks-Oseretsky 粗大运动能力测试 (BOT-2) 的测试参数包括跑步速度和敏捷性、平衡、双边协调和立定跳远。还进行了握力（两侧）、反应时间（视觉和听觉）和柔韧性测试。锻炼计划包括每周 3 次 60 分钟的课程，持续 12 周，

发现

观察到 AEG 在跑步速度和敏捷性、平衡、立定跳远、反应时间、握力和柔韧性方面有显着改善（p  < 0.05）。对于 TDEG，只有立定跳远成绩未能显着提高 ( p < .05)。比较 AEG 和 TDEG 前后测试结果，前者在平衡、立定跳远、听觉反应时间和握力方面的发展提高了 30%（p  < 0.05）。

结论

基于 AEG 体能参数的显着改善，我们建议 ASC 患儿在被诊断患有自闭症后立即开始运动训练，并与同龄人一起参加有组织的体育活动。