Comparison of fitness levels between elementary school children with autism spectrum disorder and age‐matched neurotypically developing children. Issue 9 (22nd June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Coffey, Craig; Sheehan, Damien; Faigenbaum, Avery D.; Healy, Sean; Lloyd, Rhodri S.; Kinsella, Sharon
• Is Part Of: Autism research. Volume 14:Issue 9(2021)
• Page Start: 2038
• Page End: 2046
• Publication Date: 2021-06-22
• Subjects: autistic -- cross‐sectional -- fitness deficit -- fitness measurement -- physical fitness -- youth; Autism -- Periodicals; Autism -- Research -- Periodicals; 616.85882005
• DOI: 10.1002/aur.2559
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1939-3792

Abstract

Abstract: Low physical fitness is associated with reduced physical activity and increased cardiovascular diseases. To date, limited research has compared physical fitness levels between children with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Therefore, the primary aim was to investigate if differences in fitness levels exist between children with ASD and age‐matched neurotypically developing children (ND). The second aim was to examine if age, sex, height and weight could be used to predict potential fitness levels. The third aim was to examine if the developmental trajectory of fitness is comparable between children with ASD and ND children. The modified Eurofit test battery was used to compare fitness levels between 244 children aged 4–13 years old ( n = 152 ND and n = 92 ASD). Independent samples t tests and regression analyses were used to investigate differences in fitness levels between the two groups. The results indicated that statistically significant differences exist in fitness levels between children with ASD when compared to ND children across all ages, favoring the ND children, with small to large effect sizes noted ( p < 0.05, d = 0.36–1.13). Regression analysis could not accurately predict fitness measurements in children with ASD but could for ND children. The developmental trajectories were significantly delayed on the 20 m sprint and standing broad jump for children with ASD when compared to ND children. Future studies should seek to address the disparities in physical fitness experienced by children with ASD by using relevant neuromuscular interventions. Lay Summary: The purpose of this study was to review fitness levels between children with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study displayed that children with ASD are less physically fit than their neurotypically developing peers and develop at different rates, especially in terms of running speed and lower body strength. Highlighting these developmental differences allows coaches, teachers and parents to provide targeted interventions during early childhood to reduce the discrepancy in physical fitness.