Physical fitness and obesity: Health disparities in children with autism spectrum disorders

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by deficits in social skills, communication and repetitive or restricted interests (APA, 1994; 2013). Children with ASD experience physical health disparities such as obesity, impaired motor skills, physical inactivity and low physical fitness levels in comparison to typically developing peers (Borremans et al., 2013; Curtin et al., 2010). Empirical research suggests that children with ASD are more likely to be obese compared to children without ASD. Physical fitness is one avenue that has been relatively underexplored in respect to addressing health disparities in children with ASD. PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to compare the aerobic capacity, strength, flexibility, and BMI in children with ASD (9-18 years) to age-matched typically developed peers. METHOD: 13 children with ASD and 11 children without ASD were recruited for this study. Physical fitness was tested using the 20-meter multistage shuttle run, handgrip strength, the sit-and-reach test, whereas BMI was calculated using the standard formula (body mass [kg]/height squared [m]). Non parametric measures were used, and data analysis consisted of a Mann Whitney U test. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in physical fitness between groups. Yet children with ASD displayed weaker aerobic capacity, strength and flexibility. CONCLUSION: Although there were no significant differences, the physical fitness of children with ASD displayed levels of physical fitness below established norms. In addition, the presence of obesity persists in children with and without ASD. Participation in physical fitness will be discussed as a potential intervention tool.