The effect of physical exercise therapy on autism spectrum disorder:a systematic review and meta-analysis

作者：Yifan Wu, Lu Ding, Qiao Zhang, Yu Dong, Chenyang Tao, Zhenyuan Li, Zhaowei Li, Liming Lu · 发表于：Psychiatry Research · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.1016/j.psychres.2024.116074 · 被引用次数：31 · 研究领域：Autism Spectrum Disorder Research、Child Nutrition and Feeding Issues、Down syndrome and intellectual disability research

Physical Exercise Therapy (PET) is increasingly applied in the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), yet the empirical evidence supporting its efficacy remains ambiguous. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effectiveness of PET for individuals with ASD, providing evidence-based support for clinical and scientific research. We systematically searched four international databases (Medline via PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Libraries, and Web of Science) and three Chinese databases (CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP Libraries) up to July 31, 2023. The search was conducted in both English and Chinese for original research articles employing randomized-controlled-trial (RCT) designs to study PET's effects on individuals diagnosed with ASD according to DSM or other established criteria. Co-primary outcomes focused on the overall severity of autism, while secondary outcomes included measures of stereotyped behaviors, social deficits, social skills, and executive functioning. Data from the included studies were synthesized and analyzed using RevMan 5.4. This systematic review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023443951). A total of 28 RCTs comprising 1081 participants were analyzed. Of these, only three studies met high-quality standards. Compared to control groups, PET showed improvement in at least one core symptom of autism, including Motor Performance (SMD=1.72, 95%CI[1.01, 2.44], I2=90%), Restricted Repetitive Behaviors (SMD=-0.81, 95%CI[-1.00, -0.62], I2=0%...