Strategies of planned physical activity in autism: Systematic review

Abstract

Objective To identify the strategies used in the development of planned and scientifically documented physical activity, as well as the results achieved with those interventions in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Methods Systematic analysis of scientific articles regarding the use of physical activity as a therapeutic tool for children with ASD. Articles published between 2006 and 2016 were included in the review. Participants in the selected articles had to be children diagnosed with ASD; the interventions carried out had to involve some kind of physical activity, and their effects had to be clearly exposed. Results Six intervention strategies with autistic children were found. Discussion Physical activity has a positive impact on the health and wellness of human beings, as well as a major role in the prevention of several chronic pathologies. Planned and correctly directed physical activity allows developing motor skills and generating positive psychological contexts and behavioral changes in children with ASD.