ERIC Number: EJ1294538
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021-May
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1362-3613
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Available Date: N/A
The Effectiveness of Physical Activity Interventions on Communication and Social Functioning in Autistic Children and Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials
Chan, John S. Y.; Deng, Kanfeng; Yan, Jin H.
Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, v25 n4 p874-886 May 2021
Difficulty with communication and social functioning are two outstanding core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, and physical activity has long been suggested to improve autism spectrum disorder symptoms. In this meta-analysis of controlled trials, we examined the effects of physical activity interventions compared to controls on communication and social functioning in autistic children and adolescents. Included studies are published articles in English with autism spectrum disorder participants younger than 18 years. Literature search was conducted on MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and related databases through 6 May 2020. Quality of study was assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool regarding randomization, allocation concealment, blinding, attrition, and selective reporting. We included 12 controlled trials (N = 350) with communication outcomes (k = 8) and/or social functioning outcomes (k = 11). Results show small to moderate intervention benefits on communication (standardized mean change = 0.27, 95% confidence interval (0.06, 0.48)) and social functioning (standardized mean change = 0.39, 95% confidence interval (0.15, 0.63)), but the result for social functioning may be susceptible to publication bias. Better intervention outcomes are observed in younger participants, suggesting the importance of early participation. This study shows the benefits of physical activity interventions, and they could be considered a cost-effective means for autism spectrum disorder management in the future.
Descriptors: Meta Analysis, Communication Problems, Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Interpersonal Competence, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Physical Activities, Intervention, Research Reports, Outcomes of Treatment, Comparative Analysis, Databases, Children, Adolescents, Cost Effectiveness, Communication Skills
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
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Language: English
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