Start Date
18-6-2025 12:30 PM
End Date
18-6-2025 2:00 PM
Abstract
Introduction
Physical activity plays a crucial role in the growth and development of children. However, existing literature has shown that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) generally participate in physical activities less frequently. 18% of boys with ASD fail to achieve 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on any given day throughout the week. However, there is a relative scarcity of the related research in China. This study seeks to investigate the physical activity patterns of children with ASD in China.
Methodology
A total of 63 ASD families participated in this study. Children's physical activity patterns were assessed using the Children’s Physical Activity Questionnaire (CPAQ) filled out by parents. Descriptive analysis examined the duration, type, and frequency of various physical activities.
Results
The findings of this study showed that in children with ASD in China, the duration of weekly sedentary behavior (SB) of reached 1159.20±912.12 minutes. And their MVPA was only 269.41±255.69 minutes throughout the week, with only 15 individuals (23.43%) met the physical activity guidelines of 60 minutes of MVPA per day recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Conclusions
This study reveals that the overall physical activity levels of Chinese children with ASD is relatively low, especially MVPA. The types of activities they participate in are also relatively limited and monotonous. There is a need to provide children with ASD with suitable, accessible, and quality physical activity resources to promote their overall development.
Recommended Citation
Zhang, Zichao; Lu, Yuemei; Zong, Chenjun; Li, Zhihui; and Wang, Xiaozan, "Understanding the Physical Activity Patterns of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in China" (2025). International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness. 51.
https://sword.mtu.ie/isapa/2025/day3/51
Understanding the Physical Activity Patterns of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in China
Introduction
Physical activity plays a crucial role in the growth and development of children. However, existing literature has shown that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) generally participate in physical activities less frequently. 18% of boys with ASD fail to achieve 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on any given day throughout the week. However, there is a relative scarcity of the related research in China. This study seeks to investigate the physical activity patterns of children with ASD in China.
Methodology
A total of 63 ASD families participated in this study. Children's physical activity patterns were assessed using the Children’s Physical Activity Questionnaire (CPAQ) filled out by parents. Descriptive analysis examined the duration, type, and frequency of various physical activities.
Results
The findings of this study showed that in children with ASD in China, the duration of weekly sedentary behavior (SB) of reached 1159.20±912.12 minutes. And their MVPA was only 269.41±255.69 minutes throughout the week, with only 15 individuals (23.43%) met the physical activity guidelines of 60 minutes of MVPA per day recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Conclusions
This study reveals that the overall physical activity levels of Chinese children with ASD is relatively low, especially MVPA. The types of activities they participate in are also relatively limited and monotonous. There is a need to provide children with ASD with suitable, accessible, and quality physical activity resources to promote their overall development.