This randomized clinical trial studied whether an adapted aquatic exercise program could improve behavior and physical abilities in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Thirty-five boys aged 6 to 12 years with mild ASD participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to either an aquatic exercise group or a control group. The aquatic exercise group took part in a structured, individualized swimming and water-based exercise program twice per week for 16 weeks, while the control group continued their regular academic education without additional exercise. The program focused on water safety, breathing control, and basic swimming movements. Outcomes were measured before and after the 16-week period. Autism-related behaviors were evaluated using the Autism Behavior Checklist. Physical abilities were assessed using flexibility (sit-and-reach test) and handgrip strength measurements. The study aimed to determine whether regular participation in adapted aquatic exercise could reduce autism-related behaviors and improve motor skills that are important for daily life activities in children with ASD.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
35
A structured adapted aquatic exercise program conducted over 16 weeks, with two 50-minute sessions per week. Sessions were delivered individually by certified adapted swimming instructors and included water familiarization, pool safety, breathing exercises, upper- and lower-limb propulsion, and progressive freestyle swimming skills.
Standard academic education provided by the school without participation in structured physical activity or aquatic exercise programs during the study period.
Aksaray University
Aksaray, Turkey (Türkiye)
Handgrip Strength
Handgrip strength was measured using a calibrated handgrip dynamometer. Participants performed maximal voluntary contractions, and the highest valid value (kilograms) was recorded.
Time frame: Baseline and 16 weeks
Autism-Related Behaviors
Autism-related behaviors were assessed using the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), a 57-item questionnaire completed by classroom teachers familiar with the participants' daily behavior patterns. Higher total scores indicate greater severity of autism-related behaviors.
Time frame: Baseline and 16 weeks
Flexibility
Flexibility was assessed using the sit-and-reach test performed with a standardized sit-and-reach box. The best score (centimeters) from three trials was recorded for analysis.
Time frame: Baseline and 16 weeks
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