| dc.description.abstract | Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social and communication deficits, and restrictive, repetitive patterns of behavior, activities, and/or interests. Additionally, autistic individuals commonly experience co-occurring conditions including executive function deficits, motor skill deficits, and mental health disorders, which can negatively influence health, well-being, adaptive functioning, and quality of life. Despite evidence demonstrating the benefits of physical activity for executive function, mental health, and motor skills among autistic children and non-autistic adults, few studies have focused on autistic adults. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation was to examine the relationships among physical activity, mental health, executive function, and motor performance for autistic individuals.
First, a systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of physical activity interventions for reducing anxiety symptoms in autistic people. Three databases were systematically searched following PRISMA guidelines. Eight studies met inclusion criteria and were evaluated for intervention characteristics, anxiety-related outcomes, and methodological quality. Evidence from the included studies suggested that several forms of physical activity, including yoga, walking, football, group exercise, and horseback riding interventions, were associated with reductions in anxiety symptoms among autistic children and adults, providing evidence supporting physical activity as a potentially effective intervention for anxiety reduction in autistic people.
Building on this work, the subsequent aims of this dissertation were to (1) compare executive function, motor performance, and mental health between autistic and non-autistic young adults, (2) examine relationships among these domains, and (3) investigate the effects of acute walking on executive function, motor performance, and anxiety for autistic adults. Twelve autistic young adults and twelve age- and sex-matched non-autistic adults completed measures of executive function, mental health, and motor performance. Results revealed that autistic adults reported significantly greater anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, executive dysfunction, and autistic traits compared to non-autistic adults, while also demonstrating poorer motor performance. Correlational analyses indicated associations among psychological variables and motor measures. Finally, eleven autistic young adults completed two acute treadmill walking sessions at light and moderate-to-vigorous intensities. Results demonstrated significant improvements in executive functioning and fine motor performance following acute treadmill walking regardless of intensity, suggesting that acute physical activity may provide immediate cognitive and motor benefits for autistic adults. | en_US |
