Peiting Zhao, Kai Chen, Gaohui Zhu, Hansen Li, Sha Chen, Jinge Hu, Li Huang, Xin Liu, Liya Guo
{"title":"Effects of aquatic exercise intervention on executive function and brain-derived neurotrophic factor of children with autism spectrum disorder","authors":"Peiting Zhao, Kai Chen, Gaohui Zhu, Hansen Li, Sha Chen, Jinge Hu, Li Huang, Xin Liu, Liya Guo","doi":"10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104759","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Limited knowledge exists regarding the effectiveness of aquatic exercise intervention for improving executive function (EF) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Additionally, the impact of aquatic exercise on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in children with ASD requires further investigation.</p></div><div><h3>Aims</h3><p>This study aimed to explore the effects of a 12-week aquatic exercise intervention on core EF and BDNF levels in children with ASD.</p></div><div><h3>Methods and procedures</h3><p>Thirty children with ASD were assigned to an experimental or control group. The experimental group underwent a 12-week aquatic exercise intervention, while the control group engaged in supervised free activities. Pre- and post-intervention assessments measured EF and BDNF levels.</p></div><div><h3>Outcomes and results</h3><p>The experimental group showed significant improvements (<em>p</em> < 0.05) in inhibition control, cognitive flexibility, and BDNF levels. However, working memory did not significantly improve. The control group exhibited no significant changes in EF or BDNF levels.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions and implications</h3><p>Aquatic exercise appears to be a beneficial intervention for cognitive development in children with ASD, as it enhances inhibition control, cognitive flexibility, and BDNF levels in children with ASD. Furthermore, the observed improvements in EF following aquatic exercise intervention in children with ASD may be associated with increased BDNF levels.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":51351,"journal":{"name":"Research in Developmental Disabilities","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.9000,"publicationDate":"2024-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Research in Developmental Disabilities","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S089142222400091X","RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"EDUCATION, SPECIAL","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
Limited knowledge exists regarding the effectiveness of aquatic exercise intervention for improving executive function (EF) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Additionally, the impact of aquatic exercise on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in children with ASD requires further investigation.
Aims
This study aimed to explore the effects of a 12-week aquatic exercise intervention on core EF and BDNF levels in children with ASD.
Methods and procedures
Thirty children with ASD were assigned to an experimental or control group. The experimental group underwent a 12-week aquatic exercise intervention, while the control group engaged in supervised free activities. Pre- and post-intervention assessments measured EF and BDNF levels.
Outcomes and results
The experimental group showed significant improvements (p < 0.05) in inhibition control, cognitive flexibility, and BDNF levels. However, working memory did not significantly improve. The control group exhibited no significant changes in EF or BDNF levels.
Conclusions and implications
Aquatic exercise appears to be a beneficial intervention for cognitive development in children with ASD, as it enhances inhibition control, cognitive flexibility, and BDNF levels in children with ASD. Furthermore, the observed improvements in EF following aquatic exercise intervention in children with ASD may be associated with increased BDNF levels.
期刊介绍:
Research In Developmental Disabilities is aimed at publishing original research of an interdisciplinary nature that has a direct bearing on the remediation of problems associated with developmental disabilities. Manuscripts will be solicited throughout the world. Articles will be primarily empirical studies, although an occasional position paper or review will be accepted. The aim of the journal will be to publish articles on all aspects of research with the developmentally disabled, with any methodologically sound approach being acceptable.