Effect of aquatic therapy on motor skill and executive function in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Research has demonstrated the positive effects of different types of physical activity, especially aquatic therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As such, this study aimed to examine the effect of a response-oriented approach using aquatic exercise for children with ASD on motor skills and executive function. In this quasi-experimental design, 40 children aged 7–10 years were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a response-oriented aquatic exercise (ROA) group (n=20) or a control (CON) group (n=20). The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency second edition – Short Form (BOTMP-2) and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) were used to assess motor skill and executive function, respectively. Significant (p≤0.05) differences were found between the ROA and CON groups in receiving (F=38.94, p=0.001) and throwing (F=33.05, p=0.001), static balance (F=44.89, p=0.002), dynamic balance (F=48.51, p=0.010), correct responses (F=3.60, p=0.010), conceptual responses (F=0.34, p=0.010) and perseverative errors (F=1.57, p=0.040). Aquatic exercise was found to be an effective intervention for children with ASD in that it decreases motor deficits and improves executive function. This study provides families, teachers and other specialists with exercise optionality that may be exciting and motivational to children with ASD due to its response-oriented approach.