Abstract
Purpose Executive dysfunction has been widely reported in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While studies have clearly documented the cognitive benefits of physical exercise on cognition in children, similar studies in children with ASD are scarce. The purpose of this study was to compare the impact of cognitively engaging exercise and non-cognitively engaging exercise on executive function in children with ASD.
Methods Sixty-two children diagnosed with ASD (50 males and 12 females, Mage = 9.89±1.53 yr, Mheight = 1.43 ± 0.15 m, and Mweight = 44.69 ± 11.96kg) were randomly assigned into three groups: learning to ride a bicycle (n = 22), stationary cycling (n = 20) and control (n = 20). Four executive function components (planning, working memory, flexibility and inhibition) were assessed.
Results Results revealed significant improvements in all executive function components in the learning to ride a bicycle group (ps <.05) but not in the other two groups after controlling for age and IQ.
Conclusion Our findings highlight the value of cognitive engagement in exercise programs designed to improve cognition in children with ASD. Copyright © 2021 American College of Sports Medicine.
Methods Sixty-two children diagnosed with ASD (50 males and 12 females, Mage = 9.89±1.53 yr, Mheight = 1.43 ± 0.15 m, and Mweight = 44.69 ± 11.96kg) were randomly assigned into three groups: learning to ride a bicycle (n = 22), stationary cycling (n = 20) and control (n = 20). Four executive function components (planning, working memory, flexibility and inhibition) were assessed.
Results Results revealed significant improvements in all executive function components in the learning to ride a bicycle group (ps <.05) but not in the other two groups after controlling for age and IQ.
Conclusion Our findings highlight the value of cognitive engagement in exercise programs designed to improve cognition in children with ASD. Copyright © 2021 American College of Sports Medicine.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1417-1424 |
Journal | Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise |
Volume | 53 |
Issue number | 7 |
Early online date | 14 Jan 2021 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jul 2021 |
Citation
Tse, A. C. Y., Anderson, D. I., Liu, V. H. L., & Tsu, S. S. L. (2021). Improving executive function of children with autism spectrum disorder through cycling skill acquisition. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 53(7), 1417-1424. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000002609Keywords
- Cognitive function
- Cognitive engagement
- Motor learning
- Physical exercise
- Children