Physical Activity Levels, Frequency, and Type Among Adolescents with and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder
Stanish, Heidi I. ; Curtin, Carol ; Must, Aviva ; Phillips, Sarah ; Maslin, Melissa C. T. ; Bandini, Linda G
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Abstract
We compared time spent in moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA), type, and frequency of participation in physical activities between adolescents with ASD (n = 35) and typically developing (TD) adolescents (n = 60). Accelerometers measured MVPA and participants were interviewed about engagement in physical activities. Adolescents with ASD spent less time in MVPA compared to TD adolescents (29 min/day vs. 50 min/day, p < 0.001) and fewer met the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (14 vs. 29%, p > 0.05). Among adolescents < 16 years old, those with ASD participated in fewer activities than TD adolescents (5.3 vs. 7.1 activities, p < 0.03). Walking/hiking and active video gaming were among the top activities for both groups. Findings support the need for interventions that meet the needs of youth with ASD.
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Stanish HI, Curtin C, Must A, Phillips S, Maslin M, Bandini LG. Physical Activity Levels, Frequency, and Type Among Adolescents with and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord. 2017 Mar;47(3):785-794. doi: 10.1007/s10803-016-3001-4. PMID: 28066867; PMCID: PMC5437850. Link to article on publisher's site