The effects of a physical exercise program, LEGOR and Minecraft activities on anxiety in underserved children with autism spectrum disorder. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gehricke, Jean-G.; Lowery, Lea Ann; Alejo, Sharina Dyan; Dawson, Meghan; Chan, James; Parker, Robert A.; Archibald, Abigail; Lo, Angelina; Benavidez, Hazel; Saini, Tanya; Kuhlthau, Karen; Trujillo, Yulissa; Grigaux, Olivia; Cadondon, Samantha; Baconawa, Mariel; Bellesheim, Katherine; Sweeney, Megan; Haddad, Fadia; Radom-Aizik, Shlomit
• Is Part Of: Research in autism spectrum disorders. Volume 97(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: Autism -- Stress management -- Exercise -- Salivary cortisol; Autism spectrum disorders -- Periodicals; 616.85882005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2022.102005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1750-9467

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Anxiety is a frequent comorbidity in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Physical exercise is a low cost and easy-to-access intervention with therapeutic benefits for reducing anxiety in adults and adolescents. There are currently no randomized controlled trials on the feasibility and efficacy of a physical exercise intervention to reduce anxiety in younger children with ASD. Method: 148 children (6–12 years old) with ASD were randomized into a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of an 8-week exercise protocol designed to reduce anxiety specifically in younger children with ASD. Participants were randomized to an exercise intervention group (N = 76) or sedentary activity LEGO/Minecraft group (N = 72). Both programs were administered 1–3 times weekly for 8 weeks. Anxiety was assessed via parent ratings with the Child Behavior Checklist DSM-5 anxiety subscale (CBCL DSM-5) at weeks 1, 3, 6, and 8 as well as follow up at weeks 12 and 16. Secondary outcome measures included child self-reported anxiety (Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders; SCARED), sleep (Child's Sleep Habits Questionnaire, CSHQ-ATN), physical activity level (Physical Activity Questionnaire, PAQ-C), and salivary cortisol measured at weeks 1, 3, 6, and 8. Results: Parent-rated (CBCL DSM-5) and self-reported (SCARED) anxiety scores showed improvements at weeks 3, 6 and 8 in both groups with no significant differences between the physical exercise and sedentary activity (LEGO/Minecraft) groups. In addition, the CBCL DSM-5 anxiety scores decreased only in the physical exercise group at weeks 12 and 16 compared to baseline with no significant difference from LEGO/Minecraft group. Sleep also showed improvements during weeks 6 and 8 in the physical exercise group but not in the LEGO/Minecraft group with no significant differences between the groups. Physical activity level was significantly increased in the physical exercise group compared to the LEGO/Minecraft group at week 8. Salivary cortisol did not show any significant changes from weeks 1–8 or differences between groups. Conclusion: Eight-week physical exercise and sedentary LEGO/Minecraft interventions reduced parent-rated and self-reported anxiety in 6–12-year-old underserved children with ASD with no significant difference between the intervention groups. Highlights: Both interventions reduced anxiety in children with ASD with no significant differences between the intervention groups. Physical exercise reduced anxiety at 12 and 16 weeks follow up. Physical exercise improved sleep at weeks 6 and 8. Physical exercise is a promising intervention in young children with ASD from underserved populations.