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The Effects of Physical Activity in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Study

Year 2024, Volume: 7 Issue: 1, 1 - 12, 25.01.2024
https://doi.org/10.33438/ijdshs.1315842

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to investigate the effects of physical activity habits on the developmental progress and family dynamics of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as reported by family members. Through semi-structured interviews, the study explored the influence of physical activity on social skills, overall behaviours, and family functioning. The participants comprised 20 parents (11 females and 9 males) of children diagnosed with ASD, aged between 8 and 12 years, residing in Istanbul. The study revealed seven themes: "The Role of Physical Activities in Everyday Existence," "Regular Participation in Physical Activities," "The Frequency and Intensity of Physical Activities," "The Reaction of Children with ASD to Physical Activities," "The Effect of Physical Activities on General Behavior and Social Skills," "The Impact of Physical Activities on Family's Daily Life," and "The Effect of Physical Activities on Family Quality of Life." The findings emphasize the significance of physical activities for children with ASD, illustrating their potential to enhance social skills, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Additionally, these activities reduce family stress levels and enhance overall family functionality.In conclusion, based on these findings, physical activities play a vital role in the lives of children with ASD, potentially improving their social skills, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Moreover, engaging in such activities can alleviate family stress and enhance family functioning. These results underscore the importance of incorporating physical activities into the lives of children with ASD and provide valuable insights for designing effective intervention strategies to support their development and well-being.

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. Washington, DC: Author. The Linguistic and Cognitive Effects of Bilingualism on Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, pp. 21, 175.
  • Anderson, C., Law, J. K., Daniels, A., Rice, C., Mandell, D. S., Hagopian, L., & Law, P. A. (2012). Occurrence and family impact of elopement in children with autism spectrum disorders. Pediatrics, 130(5), 870–877.
  • Baio, J., Wiggins, L., Christensen, D. L., Maenner, M. J., Daniels, J., Warren, Z., ... & Dowling, N. F. (2018). Prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among children aged 8 years—autism and developmental disabilities monitoring network, 11 sites, United States, 2014. MMWR Surveillance Summaries, 67(6), 1.
  • Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative research in psychology, 3(2), 77–101.
  • Bremer, E., Balogh, R., & Lloyd, M. (2015). Effectiveness of a fundamental motor skill intervention for 4-year-old children with autism spectrum disorder: A pilot study. Autism, 19(8), 980-991.
  • Bremer, E., Crozier, M., & Lloyd, M. (2016). A systematic review of the behavioural outcomes following exercise interventions for children and youth with autism spectrum disorder. Autism, 20(8), 899-915.
  • Clarke, V., & Braun, V. (2013). Successful qualitative research: A practical guide for beginners. Successful qualitative research, pp. 1–400.
  • Jones, R. A., Downing, K., Rinehart, N. J., Barnett, L. M., May, T., McGillivray, J. A., ... & Hinkley, T. (2017). Physical activity, sedentary behavior and their correlates in children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. PloS one, 12(2), e0172482.
  • Lang, R., Koegel, L. K., Ashbaugh, K., Regester, A., Ence, W., & Smith, W. (2010). Physical exercise and individuals with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 4(4), 565-576.
  • MacDonald, M., Esposito, P., & Ulrich, D. (2011). The physical activity patterns of children with autism. BMC research notes, 4(1), 1-5.
  • Menear, K. S., & Neumeier, W. H. (2015). Promoting physical activity for students with autism spectrum disorder: Barriers, benefits, and strategies for success. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, 86(3), 43-48.
  • Must, A., Phillips, S., Curtin, C., & Bandini, L. G. (2015). Barriers to physical activity in children with autism spectrum disorders: Relationship to physical activity and screen time. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 12(4), 529-534.
  • Must, A., Phillips, S., Curtin, C., & Bandini, L. G. (2015). Barriers to physical activity in children with autism spectrum disorders: Relationship to physical activity and screen time. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 12(4), 529-534.
  • Oriel, K. N., George, C. L., Peckus, R., & Semon, A. (2011). The effects of aerobic exercise on academic engagement in young children with autism spectrum disorder. Pediatric Physical Therapy, 23(2), 187-193.
  • Pan, C. Y. (2008). Objectively measured physical activity between children with autism spectrum disorders and children without disabilities during inclusive recess settings in Taiwan. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, p. 38, 1292–1301.
  • Pan, C. Y. (2010). Effects of water exercise swimming program on aquatic skills and social behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorders. Autism, 14(1), 9–28.
  • Pan, C. Y. (2011). The efficacy of an aquatic program on physical fitness and aquatic skills in children with and without autism spectrum disorders. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 5(1), 657–665.
  • Pan, C. Y., Chang, Y. K., Tsai, C. L., Chu, C. H., Cheng, Y. W., & Sung, M. C. (2017). Effects of physical activity intervention on motor proficiency and physical fitness in children with ADHD: An exploratory study. Journal of attention disorders, 21(9), 783-795.
  • Pan, C. Y., Tsai, C. L., Chu, C. H., Sung, M. C., Huang, C. Y., & Ma, W. Y. (2019). Effects of physical exercise intervention on motor skills and executive functions in children with ADHD: A pilot study. Journal of attention disorders, 23(4), 384-397.
  • Sowa, M., & Meulenbroek, R. (2012). Effects of physical exercise on autism spectrum disorders: A meta-analysis. Research in autism spectrum disorders, 6(1), 46-57.
  • Sowa, M., & Meulenbroek, R. (2012). Effects of physical exercise on autism spectrum disorders: A meta-analysis. Research in autism spectrum disorders, 6(1), 46-57.
  • Sowa, M., & Meulenbroek, R. (2012). Effects of physical exercise on autism spectrum disorders: A meta-analysis. Research in autism spectrum disorders, 6(1), 46-57.
  • Todd, T., Reid, G., & Butler-Kisber, L. (2010). Cycling for students with ASD: Self-regulation promotes sustained physical activity. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 27(3), 226–241.
Year 2024, Volume: 7 Issue: 1, 1 - 12, 25.01.2024
https://doi.org/10.33438/ijdshs.1315842

Abstract

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. Washington, DC: Author. The Linguistic and Cognitive Effects of Bilingualism on Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, pp. 21, 175.
  • Anderson, C., Law, J. K., Daniels, A., Rice, C., Mandell, D. S., Hagopian, L., & Law, P. A. (2012). Occurrence and family impact of elopement in children with autism spectrum disorders. Pediatrics, 130(5), 870–877.
  • Baio, J., Wiggins, L., Christensen, D. L., Maenner, M. J., Daniels, J., Warren, Z., ... & Dowling, N. F. (2018). Prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among children aged 8 years—autism and developmental disabilities monitoring network, 11 sites, United States, 2014. MMWR Surveillance Summaries, 67(6), 1.
  • Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative research in psychology, 3(2), 77–101.
  • Bremer, E., Balogh, R., & Lloyd, M. (2015). Effectiveness of a fundamental motor skill intervention for 4-year-old children with autism spectrum disorder: A pilot study. Autism, 19(8), 980-991.
  • Bremer, E., Crozier, M., & Lloyd, M. (2016). A systematic review of the behavioural outcomes following exercise interventions for children and youth with autism spectrum disorder. Autism, 20(8), 899-915.
  • Clarke, V., & Braun, V. (2013). Successful qualitative research: A practical guide for beginners. Successful qualitative research, pp. 1–400.
  • Jones, R. A., Downing, K., Rinehart, N. J., Barnett, L. M., May, T., McGillivray, J. A., ... & Hinkley, T. (2017). Physical activity, sedentary behavior and their correlates in children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. PloS one, 12(2), e0172482.
  • Lang, R., Koegel, L. K., Ashbaugh, K., Regester, A., Ence, W., & Smith, W. (2010). Physical exercise and individuals with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 4(4), 565-576.
  • MacDonald, M., Esposito, P., & Ulrich, D. (2011). The physical activity patterns of children with autism. BMC research notes, 4(1), 1-5.
  • Menear, K. S., & Neumeier, W. H. (2015). Promoting physical activity for students with autism spectrum disorder: Barriers, benefits, and strategies for success. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, 86(3), 43-48.
  • Must, A., Phillips, S., Curtin, C., & Bandini, L. G. (2015). Barriers to physical activity in children with autism spectrum disorders: Relationship to physical activity and screen time. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 12(4), 529-534.
  • Must, A., Phillips, S., Curtin, C., & Bandini, L. G. (2015). Barriers to physical activity in children with autism spectrum disorders: Relationship to physical activity and screen time. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 12(4), 529-534.
  • Oriel, K. N., George, C. L., Peckus, R., & Semon, A. (2011). The effects of aerobic exercise on academic engagement in young children with autism spectrum disorder. Pediatric Physical Therapy, 23(2), 187-193.
  • Pan, C. Y. (2008). Objectively measured physical activity between children with autism spectrum disorders and children without disabilities during inclusive recess settings in Taiwan. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, p. 38, 1292–1301.
  • Pan, C. Y. (2010). Effects of water exercise swimming program on aquatic skills and social behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorders. Autism, 14(1), 9–28.
  • Pan, C. Y. (2011). The efficacy of an aquatic program on physical fitness and aquatic skills in children with and without autism spectrum disorders. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 5(1), 657–665.
  • Pan, C. Y., Chang, Y. K., Tsai, C. L., Chu, C. H., Cheng, Y. W., & Sung, M. C. (2017). Effects of physical activity intervention on motor proficiency and physical fitness in children with ADHD: An exploratory study. Journal of attention disorders, 21(9), 783-795.
  • Pan, C. Y., Tsai, C. L., Chu, C. H., Sung, M. C., Huang, C. Y., & Ma, W. Y. (2019). Effects of physical exercise intervention on motor skills and executive functions in children with ADHD: A pilot study. Journal of attention disorders, 23(4), 384-397.
  • Sowa, M., & Meulenbroek, R. (2012). Effects of physical exercise on autism spectrum disorders: A meta-analysis. Research in autism spectrum disorders, 6(1), 46-57.
  • Sowa, M., & Meulenbroek, R. (2012). Effects of physical exercise on autism spectrum disorders: A meta-analysis. Research in autism spectrum disorders, 6(1), 46-57.
  • Sowa, M., & Meulenbroek, R. (2012). Effects of physical exercise on autism spectrum disorders: A meta-analysis. Research in autism spectrum disorders, 6(1), 46-57.
  • Todd, T., Reid, G., & Butler-Kisber, L. (2010). Cycling for students with ASD: Self-regulation promotes sustained physical activity. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 27(3), 226–241.
There are 23 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Physical Training, Sports and Physical Activity For Disabled, Physical Activity and Health
Journal Section Original Article
Authors

Bekir Erhan Orhan 0000-0002-3149-6630

Aydın Karaçam 0000-0001-6509-427X

Ali Selman Özdemir 0000-0003-1736-7602

Early Pub Date December 25, 2023
Publication Date January 25, 2024
Published in Issue Year 2024 Volume: 7 Issue: 1

Cite

APA Orhan, B. E., Karaçam, A., & Özdemir, A. S. (2024). The Effects of Physical Activity in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Study. International Journal of Disabilities Sports and Health Sciences, 7(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.33438/ijdshs.1315842
AMA Orhan BE, Karaçam A, Özdemir AS. The Effects of Physical Activity in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Study. International Journal of Disabilities Sports &Health Sciences. January 2024;7(1):1-12. doi:10.33438/ijdshs.1315842
Chicago Orhan, Bekir Erhan, Aydın Karaçam, and Ali Selman Özdemir. “The Effects of Physical Activity in Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Study”. International Journal of Disabilities Sports and Health Sciences 7, no. 1 (January 2024): 1-12. https://doi.org/10.33438/ijdshs.1315842.
EndNote Orhan BE, Karaçam A, Özdemir AS (January 1, 2024) The Effects of Physical Activity in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Study. International Journal of Disabilities Sports and Health Sciences 7 1 1–12.
IEEE B. E. Orhan, A. Karaçam, and A. S. Özdemir, “The Effects of Physical Activity in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Study”, International Journal of Disabilities Sports &Health Sciences, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 1–12, 2024, doi: 10.33438/ijdshs.1315842.
ISNAD Orhan, Bekir Erhan et al. “The Effects of Physical Activity in Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Study”. International Journal of Disabilities Sports and Health Sciences 7/1 (January 2024), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.33438/ijdshs.1315842.
JAMA Orhan BE, Karaçam A, Özdemir AS. The Effects of Physical Activity in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Study. International Journal of Disabilities Sports &Health Sciences. 2024;7:1–12.
MLA Orhan, Bekir Erhan et al. “The Effects of Physical Activity in Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Study”. International Journal of Disabilities Sports and Health Sciences, vol. 7, no. 1, 2024, pp. 1-12, doi:10.33438/ijdshs.1315842.
Vancouver Orhan BE, Karaçam A, Özdemir AS. The Effects of Physical Activity in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Study. International Journal of Disabilities Sports &Health Sciences. 2024;7(1):1-12.


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