Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that, although physical exercise interventions cannot modify its primary characteristics. It has been observed that they do show good results in variables associated with quality of life.
Objective: To analyze and synthesize the available scientific evidence on the effect of physical exercise in improving quality of life in people with autism, focusing on the identification of the most effective types of physical exercise and their specific benefits in key areas of quality of life, such as physical, emotional, social and cognitive well-being of individuals with autism.
Methods: A search was conducted in three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and psycINFO).Until April 21, 2023. We analyzed clinical trials that will analyze the effects of different interventions on quality of life in the variables of physical, emotional, social and cognitive well-being, comparing which type of intervention produces greater improvements in people with autism.
Results: Eleven studies were evaluated that included a total of 550 participants. It was observed that the interventions in recreational and leisure aspects improved significantly more the quality of life variables of physical, social emotional and cognitive well-being than the intervention in motor skills and sports training. It was also observed that physical exercise improved physical health, reduced stress and anxiety, and provided greater social interaction among participants.
Conclusion: Play/recreational, motor skills and sports training interventions are a safe and effective strategy to improve the quality of life of children with autism. However, further research is recommended to evaluate the long-term effects of physical exercise in this population.
