Comparison of the Effectiveness of Physical Activity on Improving ‎Walking in People with Autism and Mental Retardation
Poster Presentation
Paper ID : 1435-SSRC
Authors
گروه آسیب شناسی ورزشی و حرکات اصلاحی، دانشکده تربیت بدنی گیلان
Abstract
Background: Physical activity (PA) has been shown to have a range of benefits for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and mental retardation (MR), including improved physical fitness, reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, and enhanced social interaction. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the effectiveness of various PA interventions in improving walking in individuals with ASD and MR.
Methods: We conducted a systematic search of the PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases for studies published between January 2000, and December, 2023.Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials (CCTs) that compared the effects of any PA intervention on walking ability in individuals with ASD and MR aged 5 years or older. Studies were excluded if they were not RCTs or CCTs, did not report on walking outcomes, or included participants with other developmental disabilities or neurological conditions.
Results: A total of 21 RCTs and CCTs met the inclusion criteria. The studies included participants with ASD or MR with a wide range of walking impairments, from mild to severe. The majority of studies used aerobic exercise interventions, such as treadmill walking, cycling, or group fitness classes. However, a few studies also evaluated strength training, aquatic exercise, and dance interventions.The meta-analysis found that PA interventions were significantly more effective than no intervention in improving walking ability in individuals with ASD and MR (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 0.32 meters per second, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.24 to 0.40; P < .001). The effect size was moderate (Hedges' g = 0.59).
Discussion: Our findings provide strong evidence that PA interventions can improve walking ability in individuals with ASD and MR. PA interventions may have a positive impact on other aspects of health in individuals with ASD and MR.
Conclusion: PA interventions are a promising approach for improving walking ability in individuals with ASD and MR.the current findings suggest that PA can be a valuable tool for promoting physical and functional independence in individuals with ASD and MR.
Methods: We conducted a systematic search of the PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases for studies published between January 2000, and December, 2023.Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials (CCTs) that compared the effects of any PA intervention on walking ability in individuals with ASD and MR aged 5 years or older. Studies were excluded if they were not RCTs or CCTs, did not report on walking outcomes, or included participants with other developmental disabilities or neurological conditions.
Results: A total of 21 RCTs and CCTs met the inclusion criteria. The studies included participants with ASD or MR with a wide range of walking impairments, from mild to severe. The majority of studies used aerobic exercise interventions, such as treadmill walking, cycling, or group fitness classes. However, a few studies also evaluated strength training, aquatic exercise, and dance interventions.The meta-analysis found that PA interventions were significantly more effective than no intervention in improving walking ability in individuals with ASD and MR (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 0.32 meters per second, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.24 to 0.40; P < .001). The effect size was moderate (Hedges' g = 0.59).
Discussion: Our findings provide strong evidence that PA interventions can improve walking ability in individuals with ASD and MR. PA interventions may have a positive impact on other aspects of health in individuals with ASD and MR.
Conclusion: PA interventions are a promising approach for improving walking ability in individuals with ASD and MR.the current findings suggest that PA can be a valuable tool for promoting physical and functional independence in individuals with ASD and MR.
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