Exercise Effects on Health for Adults with Autism

We are recruiting for a study investigating the differences in mental, cognitive, and physical health for adults with and without ASD. Following this, we aim to investigate effects of single-dose physical activity, walking and exergaming (RingFit Adventure™) on physical, cognitive, and mental health for the adults with ASD who complete the first phase of the study.

• Adults, ages 19-34
• Have been given a formal diagnosis of ASD, as provided by a clinician and according to the DSM-5 (APA, 2013).
• Fluent in English.
• Able to participate in moderate-intensity physical activity for at least 20 minutes.
• Able to wear heart rate monitor on chest.
• Able to wear a thigh strap (holds RingFit™ controller to measure movement).
• Able to walk on a treadmill.

  

In Study One, participants will 7 questionnaires, an IQ test, and some physical health measures. For Study Two participants will complete a total of four sessions. These sessions will include 20 minutes of light walking, moderate to vigorous walking, exergaming, or a control session, sitting. Before and after each exercise session, participants will complete some tests to measure their physical, cognitive, and mental health. Questionnaires and assessments include: the Autism Quotient Test, The Executive Skills Questionnaire-Revised, the Beck Depression Inventory, IQ test, World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Purdue Pegboard, Height and Weight, Grip Strength Testing, Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test, the Functional Movement Screen, the Stroop Color and Word Test, the Trail Making Test, and the Digit Span Test.

First, physical activity is an effective intervention to help children with ASD address common comorbidities such as anxiety, motor skill deficits, and executive dysfunction. However, there is limited research on whether these interventions have similar effects for adults with ASD. If they do, physical activity could be utilized as an effective intervention to improve quality of life for adults with ASD. Also, there is a gap comparing motor skills, executive function, and mental health for adults with and without ASD, as well as exploring the connections between autistic traits, executive function, mental health, and motor skills for adults both with and without ASD. Understanding these relationships will aid in constructing appropriate interventions aimed at improving common comorbidities for adults with ASD.