Physical activity levels in Iranian children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder

Background: Autism spectrum disorder is a neuro-developmental disorder with a significant deficiency in communication characteristics, social interactions and stereotyped behaviors.Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate physical activity participation in Iranian children and adolescent wi...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Sarvin Salar, Hassan Daneshmandi, Lauren J. Lieberman, Ali Kashi, Shahram Shafiee
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: University of Tehran 2021-01-01
Series:Sport Sciences and Health Research
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Online Access:https://sshr.ut.ac.ir/article_85603_5dbd2580e05d4709b5cd141d5b08786c.pdf
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Summary:Background: Autism spectrum disorder is a neuro-developmental disorder with a significant deficiency in communication characteristics, social interactions and stereotyped behaviors.Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate physical activity participation in Iranian children and adolescent with autism spectrum disorders.Materials and Methods: The research method was descriptive and survey. The statistical samples were 370 children and adolescent with ASD, age 8-20 years from Iran. The international physical activity questionnaire for older children and adolescents used for measuring physical activity levels. Data analyzed by using SPSS23.Results: The results showed that 73.8% of participants were inactive during the last 7 days; 17.8% of them were active occasionally (1 to 2 times); 6.5% (3 to 4 times) and 1.1% (5 to 6 times) were physically active. During the last 7 days on weekends, 58.2% reported usually sitting position, 22.2% walking or standing, and 14.6% running or active playing and only 1.1% reported lots of running or playing. There was no significant difference in physical activity levels between girls and boys.Conclusion: The results showed the limited participation in physical activity among Iranian children and adolescents with ASD. This study seems to be a helpful for identifying the patterns and promotion of physical activity.
ISSN:2981-0205