Abstract
This study examined the effects of a 12-week mini-basketball training program (MBTP) on executive functions and core symptoms among preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this quasi-experimental pilot study, 33 ASD preschoolers who received their conventional rehabilitation program were assigned to either a MBTP group (n = 18) or control group (n = 15). Specifically, the experimental group was required to take an additional 12-week MBTP (five days per week, one session per day, and forty minutes per session), while the control group was instructed to maintain their daily activities. Executive functions and core symptoms (social communication impairment and repetitive behavior) were evaluated by the Childhood Executive Functioning Inventory (CHEXI), the Social Responsiveness Scale-Second Edition (SRS-2), and the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R), respectively. After the 12-week intervention period, the MBTP group exhibited significantly better performances in working memory (F = 7.51, p < 0.01, partial η2 = 0.195) and regulation (F = 4.23, p < 0.05, partial η2 = 0.12) as compared to the control group. Moreover, the MBTP significantly improved core symptoms of ASD preschoolers, including the social communication impairment (F = 6.02, p < 0.05, partial η2 = 0.020) and repetitive behavior (F = 5.79, p < 0.05, partial η2 = 0.016). Based on our findings, we concluded that the 12-week MBTP may improve executive functions and core symptoms in preschoolers with ASD, and we provide new evidence that regular physical exercise in the form of a MBTP is a promising alternative to treat ASD.
Highlights
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with several core symptoms [1]
According to the above-mentioned evidence concerning social and behavioral deficits as well as executive dysfunction, it is very likely that cognitive deficits in ASD children may persist into adulthood
The present study investigated the effects of a 12-week mini-basketball training program (MBTP) on executive functions and core symptoms among preschoolers with ASD
Summary
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with several core symptoms (social skill deficits, communication problems, stereotyped and repetitive behavior) [1]. Executive functions are brain-based skills required to successfully carry out goal-directed behaviors, with three primary domains that are generally categorized: (1) inhibition is the ability to voluntarily inhibit impulsive responses, (2) regulation involves the mental ability to selectively shift attention between two tasks, and (3) working memory is the ability to hold the meaningful information for decision making, planning, and organization [4]. In the context of ASD, executive functions are proposed to significantly associate with specific impairments (e.g., theory of mind, social cognition, social impairment, restricted and repetitive behaviors, and quality of life) [5,6,7,8]. According to the above-mentioned evidence concerning social and behavioral deficits as well as executive dysfunction, it is very likely that cognitive deficits in ASD children may persist into adulthood
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
