Impact of physical exercise on behavioral and social features in individuals with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. Physical exercise is linked with several physical and psychological health advantages. A range of investigations has revealed the presence of a significant association between physical exercise and indicative improvements in subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This systematic review aims to update the literature about the impact of physical exercise interventions on social, behavioral, and other outcomes for individuals with ASD. Materials and Methods. The study design followed the PRISMA guidelines. A systematic search of electronic databases—PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Jane Publications—was performed from 2010 to December 2023. We searched for related research papers in English using keywords 'Autism Spectrum Disorder,' 'exercise,' and 'physical activity. Results. This systematic review employed a four-stage screening process, which resulted in the inclusion of 18 trial studies. The intervention period varied from three to forty-eight weeks, with a frequency of 3-7 times per week. The results demonstrated that physical exercise had a substantial positive impact on communication, social interaction, and motor skills in subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Conclusions. This review supports physical exercise as a powerful tool in decreasing stereotypical behaviors, and in improving social communication and motor skills in subjects diagnosed with ASD. Regular physical exercise therapy can have a greater effect on improving the quality of life for ASD subjects.