Physical Activity: Its implication on Attention Span and Quality of Life in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

This study examined the effects of physical activity on
the attention span and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of
autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children in Singapore. Male
participants (N = 12) aged 2-6 years, diagnosed with ASD were
randomly assigned to either a physical activity or non-physical
activity group. In the physical activity group, participants were
administered 8 tri-cycling sessions; both groups of participants
were measured for their attention span, and their parents
completed the HRQoL questionnaires. Results indicate that as
the exercise increases, the physical activity group demonstrated
increasingly longer duration of attention span. These results
extend the findings that physical activity enhances cognition of
ASD children and support its consideration into the early
intervention programs.