Abstract
Background: active lifestyles and Physical Activity (PA) are closely related to health. Healthy habits such as being physically active should be consolidated during childhood. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) present fewer opportunities to be involved in PA. For this reason, we conducted a Service-Learning (SL) program to enhance the possibility of participating ASD children enjoying PA sessions. The aim of this study was to analyze and describe the evolution in terms of the frequency and intensity of PA performed by ASD children who participated in the SL program. Methods: we used a quasi-experimental design. The sample was formed by 26 children with ASD (Experimental group: n = 16; 4 girls, 12 boys) (Control group: n = 10; 1 girl, 9 boys) with ASD level 1. Results: after the intervention program, moderate PA during the week increased significantly (Pre-Median: 92.04, Range: 35.71–126.47 min; Post-Median: 212.67, Range: 99.75, 271.04 min) (p ≤ 0.001). When comparing both groups, the tendency to do PA in the Experimental group remained more stable. Also, the improvements in moderate intensities were higher in the Experimental group after the intervention. Conclusion: a six-month SL program improved the moderate PA routines of ASD children. However, longer programs and longitudinal studies are required.
Highlights
As stated by the WHO [1], health is the absence of illness but the quality of life that we add to our days
The aim of this study was to analyze and describe the evolution in terms of the frequency and intensity of Physical Activity (PA) performed by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) children who participated in the SL program
According to the results observed in our study, the participants of the 6-month intervention program showed a significant increase in the number of minutes of PA performed at a moderate intensity during the week (Pre-Median: 92.04, Interquartile Range (IQR): 35.71–126.47 min; Post-Median: 212.67, IQR: 99.75–271.04 min) (p ≤ 0.001)
Summary
As stated by the WHO [1], health is the absence of illness but the quality of life that we add to our days. Childhood and adolescence are sensitive periods during which environmental factors may influence individuals’ present and future health [2]. Children should become more physically active during their days because this may lead to improvements in their quality of life. This can be achieved by increasing their social interactions through PA or even by including active displacements to the study center [5]. It is a matter of enhancing the quality of their lives, not just analyzing their performance or intensity at specific moments
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
