Start Date

18-6-2025 5:00 PM

End Date

18-6-2025 6:30 PM

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: In light of current research trends emphasizing training programs to develop daily living skills in autistic children, this study uses a meta-analysis to clarify, from multiple dimensions, the impact of group-based organized physical activity (GBOPA) on social and motor skills in autistic children. This study aims to provide evidence-based guidance for clinical practice and clarify the mixed results of previous studies.

Method: We searched Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and EBSCO to identify relevant studies and screen their references. The effect size was calculated using Hedges' g. Three-level random effects models were run using the metafor package in R. The quality of the included studies was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2 (RoB2), and the credibility of the evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system.This study is registered with the Open Science Framework, https://osf.io/t9aj4. The protocol of the review was prospectively registered in PROSPERO and submitted online in August 2024 (ID: CRD42024609228).

Results: The current study included 21 articles, of which 18 involved social abilities and seven involved motor skills. The meta-analysis results are clear: GBOPA can significantly improve social abilities in autistic children (low evidence grade), including social functioning (moderate evidence grade) and communication (low evidence grade), and can significantly enhance motor skills in autistic children (moderate evidence grade). Moderation and regression analyses indicated that intervention duration and number of training sessions were significant moderators of GBOPA's effect on social skills in children with autism, whereas no significant moderators were identified in GBOPA's effect on motor skills.

Conclusion: GBOPA can have positive effects on the social abilities and motor skills of autistic children. Additionally, certain measures can enhance training outcomes, such as targeting specific age groups, increasing the number of sessions (>24) or duration (>960 min), combining motor techniques and motor skills in training, and using larger group sizes (≥5 participants).

Keywords: Group-based organized physical activity; Social abilities; Motor skills; Motor skills; Meta-analysis

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Jun 18th, 5:00 PM Jun 18th, 6:30 PM

Exploring the Influence of Group-Based Organized Physical Activity on Social Abilities and Motor Skills in Autistic Children: A Multilevel Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Objective: In light of current research trends emphasizing training programs to develop daily living skills in autistic children, this study uses a meta-analysis to clarify, from multiple dimensions, the impact of group-based organized physical activity (GBOPA) on social and motor skills in autistic children. This study aims to provide evidence-based guidance for clinical practice and clarify the mixed results of previous studies.

Method: We searched Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and EBSCO to identify relevant studies and screen their references. The effect size was calculated using Hedges' g. Three-level random effects models were run using the metafor package in R. The quality of the included studies was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2 (RoB2), and the credibility of the evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system.This study is registered with the Open Science Framework, https://osf.io/t9aj4. The protocol of the review was prospectively registered in PROSPERO and submitted online in August 2024 (ID: CRD42024609228).

Results: The current study included 21 articles, of which 18 involved social abilities and seven involved motor skills. The meta-analysis results are clear: GBOPA can significantly improve social abilities in autistic children (low evidence grade), including social functioning (moderate evidence grade) and communication (low evidence grade), and can significantly enhance motor skills in autistic children (moderate evidence grade). Moderation and regression analyses indicated that intervention duration and number of training sessions were significant moderators of GBOPA's effect on social skills in children with autism, whereas no significant moderators were identified in GBOPA's effect on motor skills.

Conclusion: GBOPA can have positive effects on the social abilities and motor skills of autistic children. Additionally, certain measures can enhance training outcomes, such as targeting specific age groups, increasing the number of sessions (>24) or duration (>960 min), combining motor techniques and motor skills in training, and using larger group sizes (≥5 participants).

Keywords: Group-based organized physical activity; Social abilities; Motor skills; Motor skills; Meta-analysis