Abstract
Background—Children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs) are frequently hampered by motor impairment. It limits them from regularly practicing physical activities and results in a lower physical fitness even though low cardiorespiratory fitness is one of the most important predictors of all-cause mortality. This study aimed to investigate the cardiorespiratory fitness of boys with ASD compared to typically developed children. Methods—forty male children participated. Twenty were control children (CONT—10.0 ± 1.6 years) and 20 were ASD children (ASD—10.7 ± 1.2 years; intellectual quotient > 70). All participants completed an incremental exercise test on a treadmill. An evaluation of motor characteristics by three tests was conducted (muscular strength; explosive power; flexibility). Assessments of daily physical activity were obtained by questionnaires (PAQ-C) and by actigraphy. Results—in the ASD group, aerobic capacity values (VO2peak), effort duration and maximal speed were significantly lower compared to CONT (p < 0.05). Flexibility, explosive power and muscular strength were significantly lower in ASD compared to CONT (p < 0.05). Similarities between all children were observed for physical activity evaluation by actigraphy and with the PAQ-C. Conclusions—children with ASD had lower cardiorespiratory fitness than CONT despite similar physical activity levels. Our results suggested that the difference may be due to motor discrepancies.
Highlights
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are referred to as a constellation of symptoms involving deficiencies in social interactions and communications, and restricted repetitive behaviors and interests
Information about cardiorespiratory fitness evaluated by a standardized method in the laboratory in the autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs) population is scarce, especially when we consider that impairments in motor skills are not diagnostic criteria for autism in children and adolescents
The ASD group had a lower VO2peak than the controls (p < 0.05—Table 2), and showed lower effort duration, maximal speed and treadmill slope compared to control (p < 0.001—Table 2)
Summary
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are referred to as a constellation of symptoms involving deficiencies in social interactions and communications, and restricted repetitive behaviors and interests. Many studies have reported the presence of motor and sensory difficulties in children with autism during their early development [1], and the risk of inactivity in this population due to social and behavioral deficits [2] These specific deficits could reduce possibilities for these children to participate in physical activity (PA), even though its importance to overall health for all subjects has been well documented [3]. Within this context, information about cardiorespiratory fitness evaluated by a standardized method in the laboratory in the ASD population is scarce, especially when we consider that impairments in motor skills are not diagnostic criteria for autism in children and adolescents. Our results suggested that the difference may be due to motor discrepancies
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