Transactions on Data Analysis in Social Science

Transactions on Data Analysis in Social Science

The Effect of Aerobic Training on Coordination, Social Adaptation, and Parental Concerns in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 MSc in Sports Psychology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Tabriz, East Azerbaijan, Tabriz
2 Associate Professor, Department of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Tabriz, East Azerbaijan, Tabriz
3 Assistant Professor, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, East Azerbaijan, Tabriz
Abstract
Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairments in social communication and the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors, interests, or activities. Literature focuses on comparing physical activity and physical fitness in children with ASD, who are usually in a state of progress. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aerobic training on coordination, social adaptation, and parental concerns in children with autism.
Methods: This research employed a semi-experimental design with pre-test-post-test. Twenty-eight children aged 5 to 13 were divided into experimental and control groups from available samples. These children had previously been diagnosed with autism by a child psychiatrist and a medical team based on the diagnostic criteria of the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and according to the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. Both groups underwent a pre-test, which included a wall-ball throwing test for assessing motor performance, and the Vineland and Pennsylvania questionnaires for social adaptation and parental concerns. After a twelve-session training period, a post-test was conducted.  Results: The results indicated a significant effect of aerobic exercise on the coordination of children with autism (p ≤ 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in social adaptation and parental concerns (p ≥ 0.05). According to the research findings, it can be concluded that aerobic exercise, contrary to social adaptations and parental concerns, can have a significant impact on the performance of children with autism.
Keywords

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Volume 1, Issue 4
Autumn 2019
Pages 224-233

  • Receive Date 24 September 2019
  • Revise Date 15 November 2019
  • Accept Date 22 December 2019