Virtual reality as a telerehabilitation strategy for people with autism spectrum disorder during the COVID-19 quarantine scenario: physical activity, motor performance and enjoyment

Abstract

Purpose: People with autism spectrum disorder could benefit from physical activity during the pandemic and COVID-19 restrictions, mainly to maintain adequate physical activity. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility, enjoyment, and potential effect of telerehabilitation using a serious game named ‘MoveHero’. Materials and methods: Registered in Clinical Trials (NCT04402034). We adopted a remotely run Telerehabilitation research design with 44 participants recruited: 22 People with ASD people and 22 non-ASD individuals. Results: All participants safely participated, 100% adherence to sessions, ∼60% enjoying the task, and significantly improved performance, with better performance for the NA group at most practice moments. Conclusions: Our findings support both how to implement a gaming intervention and the need to investigate the efficacy of serious games to motivate moderate intensity physical activity in people with ASD.