Motor development in schoolchildren aged 5-12 years with autism spectrum disorders (ASD): a systematic review

Abstract

Objective: Identify the studies that have evaluated motor development (MD) in schoolchildren between 5-12 years old diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and verify the methodological quality of the studies that meet the previously established inclusion criteria.

Method: Electronic databases were used; Web of Science, Scopus and Eric. The search strategy carried out yielded a total of 618 results where, after eliminating duplicates and applying the previously established inclusion and exclusion criteria, 8 were included for their detailed review of qualitative synthesis. The methodological quality was evaluated using the scale of Galna et al.

Results: The studies present a high methodological quality (0,91), in them they point out that there is a deficit in motor skills in children with ASD unlike children with normal-typical development, this deficiency is observed in factors such as: manipulation skills, balance agility, coordination, muscular strength and VO2max. On the other hand, motor intervention programs significantly improve motor skills in children with ASD.

Conclusion: The selected studies present a high methodological quality, concluding that children with ASD present a decreased level of MD compared to children with normo-typical development as a result of low participation in physical education (PE) classes, which results in greater inactivity physical and sedentary lifestyle.