This study will examine the effects of a school based exercise intervention programme on the behaviour and fitness levels in children with autism.
This study will examine the effects of a school based exercise intervention programme on the behaviour and fitness levels in children with autism. Local primary schools who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) class will be approached to participate in the project. The age profile of the children will be 4-12 years of age and they will have mild-sever levels of autism. The exercise intervention programme will be delivered 3 times per week in the schools over an 8 week period. Children will be fitness tested to assess the change in fitness levels over the 8 week period. Questionnaires will be given to the parents and teachers of the children at the beginning and at the end of the programme to assess changes in behaviour levels as a result of the exercise intervention programme.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
50
An exercise intervention programme will be delivered in each school for an 8 week period. Exercise classes will take place 3 times a week and will be of 60 minutes duration.
Institute of Technology, Carlow
Carlow, Ireland
Behavior
Changes in behavior levels of the children will be assessed using the Aberrant Behavior Checklist and
Time frame: Change from baseline at Week 4 and Week 8
Behavior
Changes in behavior levels of the children will be assessed using the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale 2nd Edition. Higher the value (total score) the more likely the individual has Autism.
Time frame: Change from baseline at Week 4 and Week 8
Fitness Level
The modified eurofit test will be used to investigate fitness levels of the children
Time frame: Change from baseline at Wkke 4 and Week 8
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