Abstract
1789 Adolescents with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) may be less active than peers due to communication and behavior deficits associated with the condition. It is reasonable to conclude that disability characteristics are a primary determinant of physical activity (PA) in this group. However, since disability characteristics are difficult to modify, other factors that affect PA behavior must also be examined. Previous research in adolescents without disabilities indicates that PA levels among siblings are positively correlated. Sibling activity may also have a positive influence on PA behaviors of adolescents with ASD, particularly since these individuals do not form strong peer relationships and typically engage in family-based activities. PURPOSE: To examine the influence of sibling PA on PA levels of adolescents with ASD. METHODS: Five males with ASD (ASDS = 12.6 ± 1.1 yrs), 6 gender matched adolescent siblings (SIB = 11.2 ± 1.2 yrs), and 8 males with ASD and no adolescent siblings (ASDNS = 12.3 ± 2.2 yrs) participated. Physical activity levels were measured with a uniaxial accelerometer. The device was worn during waking hours for 5 weekdays and 2 weekend days. Data are reported as time engaged in moderate-vigorous PA (MVPA). A Kruskall-Wallis test was used to examine differences between groups and Spearman rank correlation was used to study the relationship between sibling PA levels. Significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: There were no differences in weekday and weekend PA levels, so these data were combined in further analysis. There were no group differences in MVPA (ASDS = 15.9 ± 4.3 min.hr−1 hr; SIB = 16.2 ± 4.7 min.hr−1 hr; ASDNS = 13.9 ± 9.0 min.hr−1 hr). There was no significant relationship between ASDS and SIB MVPA ranks (rs = .70). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that siblings do not have a significant influence on PA levels of adolescents with ASD. Supported by the AAU-Updyke-Willett Kinesiology Research Fund.
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