Physical Activity for Anxiety for Autistic People: A Systematic Review
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| Title: | Physical Activity for Anxiety for Autistic People: A Systematic Review |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Kathryn Riis (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 2025 55(8):2663-2679. |
| Availability: | Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 17 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Information Analyses Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Intervention, Physical Activities, Program Effectiveness, Metacognition, Athletics, Team Sports, Exercise, Behavior Problems |
| Assessment and Survey Identifiers: | State Trait Anxiety Inventory, Aberrant Behavior Checklist, Child Behavior Checklist, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Goal Attainment Scale, Pediatric Evaluation of Disabilities Inventory |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10803-024-06356-9 |
| ISSN: | 0162-3257 1573-3432 |
| Abstract: | Clinical anxiety is a common comorbidity in autistic people. Due to the prevalence of anxiety in the autism population and the adverse effects it causes, there is a critical need to develop effective interventions which address anxiety symptoms for autistic people. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of the use of physical activity as an intervention to reduce anxiety in autistic people. Three databases PubMed, PsychInfo, and Cochrane RCTs, were searched utilizing key terms. PRISMA systematic search procedures identified 44 studies meeting predetermined inclusion criteria. Participant characteristics, the type of physical activity performed, the nature of the physical activity program/delivery, anxiety-related outcomes, and research methodology was evaluated for each study. Each paper included was appraised and scored for risk of bias using Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions risk of bias tool. Titles and abstracts of 44 articles were reviewed and 8 articles met inclusion criteria which evaluated interventions. Evidence from 8 studies suggests that yoga, a community-based football program, an app-assisted walking program, group exercise programs, and horseback riding interventions reduced anxiety for autistic people. The studies included in this systematic review provide strong-to-moderate evidence that physical activity can reduce anxiety for autistic children and adults. However, additional research is needed to identify which mode of physical activity is most beneficial for anxiety reduction. Further, future research should evaluate frequency, duration, and intensity and their effects on anxiety for autistic people. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1478296 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | Clinical anxiety is a common comorbidity in autistic people. Due to the prevalence of anxiety in the autism population and the adverse effects it causes, there is a critical need to develop effective interventions which address anxiety symptoms for autistic people. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of the use of physical activity as an intervention to reduce anxiety in autistic people. Three databases PubMed, PsychInfo, and Cochrane RCTs, were searched utilizing key terms. PRISMA systematic search procedures identified 44 studies meeting predetermined inclusion criteria. Participant characteristics, the type of physical activity performed, the nature of the physical activity program/delivery, anxiety-related outcomes, and research methodology was evaluated for each study. Each paper included was appraised and scored for risk of bias using Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions risk of bias tool. Titles and abstracts of 44 articles were reviewed and 8 articles met inclusion criteria which evaluated interventions. Evidence from 8 studies suggests that yoga, a community-based football program, an app-assisted walking program, group exercise programs, and horseback riding interventions reduced anxiety for autistic people. The studies included in this systematic review provide strong-to-moderate evidence that physical activity can reduce anxiety for autistic children and adults. However, additional research is needed to identify which mode of physical activity is most beneficial for anxiety reduction. Further, future research should evaluate frequency, duration, and intensity and their effects on anxiety for autistic people. |
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| ISSN: | 0162-3257 1573-3432 |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10803-024-06356-9 |
