278874
Gross motor skills function and health quality of life among children with autism participating in autismoves gymnastics program
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
M D Ayers, MS,
Department of Health and Exercise Science: Health Promotion, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
Craig Hofford, PhD,
Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
Abstract Objective: This study assessed the impact of participation in AutisMoves Gymnastics program on gross motor skills and health quality of life in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods: Participants aged 5 to 10 years who participated in AutisMoves were compared to non-participating children. Gross motor skills were measured using the Test of Gross Motor Development, (TGMD-2). Health quality of life was assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life- parent proxy (PedsQL-4.0). The TGMD-2 consisted of two domains with six skills each, locomotor (run, gallop, hop, leap, jump, and slide) and object control (striking a ball, dribble, catch, kick, overhand throw, and underhand roll). PedsQL-4.0 parent proxy measured social, emotional, and physical functioning. Results: 21 (11 AutisMoves and 9 control) participants completed testing. There were no differences between groups for locomotor (p=.151) and object control raw scores (p=.535). There were statistical differences for the individual skills of run (p=.026*) and gallop (p=.041*),with the AutisMoves group performing better. There were no differences between groups in health quality of life for social (p=.580), emotional (p=.359), and physical (p=.340) functioning. Conclusion: Overall the study found no significant differences in gross motor skills and health quality of life between groups. Observed factors such as autism severity, rater effects, recall error, dose response, the effect of testing in unfamiliar surroundings, lack of hand dominance, and toe-walking may have confounded study results.
Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Learning Objectives:
Compare gross motor skills function and healthy quality of life between children with autism who are actively participating in AutisMoves Gymnastics and children with autism who are not participating.
Identify possible confounding factors specific to working with children with autism, that may have influenced study outcome.
Discuss reducing possible confounding factors in future research and clinical practice involving children with autism.
Keyword(s): Special Populations, Disability Studies
Presenting author's disclosure statement:Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have worked with children with special needs through multiple ways, such as volunteer, paraprofessional, development/implementation of physical activity for people with down syndrome and administering ABA therapy to children with autism. In addition, I have been the principal investigator to the measurement and comparison of motor skills and health quality of life differences between children with autism.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines,
and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed
in my presentation.
