Impact of an inclusive physical activity program with digital resources on health, motor skills, and physical condition in ASD
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https://doi.org/10.17979/sportis.2026.12.1.12446Abstract
The sustained increase in the number of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has highlighted the need for more specific support in the school setting, particularly in the area of Physical Education (PE), where difficulties in social interaction limit active participation. In this context, teacher training and targeted support are key elements. There is a noted lack of studies and programs focused on PE interventions for students with ASD. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of an inclusive physical activity program with students with ASD, using digital resources and its impact on health, motor skills, and physical fitness. The study was conducted with n=11 primary school students (M=9.54; SD=1.62), following current Spanish educational legislation, emphasizing the importance of contextualizing physical activities with appropriate resources to meet the needs of this population. Two data collection points were performed (pre-test and pos-test), using the following assessment instruments: MABC-2 (Movement Assessment Battery for Children–2), Alpha-Fitness battery, anthropometric data scale and the 6-minute walk test. Significant results were observed in body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and cardiorespiratory endurance (p<0.01). In the 72-sessions intervention, a significant reduction in overweight was observed, with ΔWC = -1.68 cm, p<0.01, and an improvement in aerobic performance (Δ Endurance = +91 m, p<0.01), indicating positive effects on the health and physical fitness of students with ASD, promoting their school inclusion, even though the other motor skills and parameters did not reach statistical significance (p>.05).
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