Abstract
The aim of this novel review and meta-analysis was to clarify the effects of group-based organised physical activity (OPA) for social and communicative outcomes in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Searches yielded 4347 articles. Eleven were identified for review and seven for meta-analysis. Pooled statistical results revealed a non-significant effect for communication (k = 4; g = 0.13, CI [− 0.12, 0.38], p =.13) and a significant small-medium improvement in overall social functioning (k = 6; g = 0.45, CI [0.19, 0.72], p =.001). Despite acknowledged limitations, these findings are important in the context of a growing clinical and consumer-driven demand for research that determines the role of OPA as a non-medical and inclusive treatment for children with ASD.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 3290-3308 |
| Number of pages | 19 |
| Journal | Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders |
| Volume | 49 |
| Issue number | 8 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 15 Aug 2019 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- ASD
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Group-based
- Meta analysis
- Organised physical activity
- Social functioning
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