Central European Journal of Sport Sciences and Medicine


ISSN: 2300-9705     eISSN: 2353-2807    OAI    DOI: 10.18276/cej.2025.1-01
CC BY-SA   Open Access   DOAJ  DOAJ

Liste der Ausgaben / Vol. 49, No. 1/2025
An Introduction on the Benefits of Motor and Sports Activities on Sensory Processing in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autoren: Oana Rusu ORCID
Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Iasi, Romania
Schlüsselbegriffe: children with ASD sensory processing benefits of physical and sports activities psychomotor development.
Veröffentlichungsdatum der gesamten Ausgabe:2025-07-31
Seitenanzahl:13 (5-17)
Cited-by (Crossref) ?:

Abstract

ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in behavior and communication and social interaction of the diagnosed person, having negative consequences on functioning and performance in different areas. With different forms of manifestation and degrees of impairment, the individual with ASD presents difficulties in contextual and/or sensory perception of stimuli, which causes maladaptive responses from him/her, often accompanied by motor difficulties. The purpose of this article is to identify the existence of the benefits that the practice of motor and sports activities have on sensory processing in children with ASD. The results highlight that there are associations between sensory processing difficulties and motor impairments, even from the first years of life, with the motor and sensory areas being in neural connection and developing at the same time at an accelerated pace. Practicing motor and sports activities leads to improvements in different areas: physical and mental health, motor skills (oral and visual, gross and fine motor skills, manual dexterity, balance, ability to relax and control body movements), cognitive and sensory processing (memorization, sequencing, attention, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control of body movements, academic performance), communication and social interaction skills (establishing and maintaining friendships, acceptance from others), adaptive behaviors (reduction of stereotyped and self-aggressive behaviors, self-stimulation, hyperkinetic behavior).
herunterladen

Artikeldatei

Bibliographie

1.Abdel Ghafar, M. A., Abdelraouf, O. R., Abdelgalil, A. A., Seyam, M. K., Radwan, R. E., El-Bagalaty, A. E. (2022). Quantitative Assessment of Sensory Integration and Balance in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Cross-Sectional Study. Children (Basel), 9(3):353. https://doi.org/10.3390/children9030353.
2.Al-Ayadhi, L. Y., Al-Drees, A. M., Al-Arfaj, A. M. (2013). Effectiveness of auditory integration therapy in autism spectrum disorders – prospective study. Autism Insights, 5, 13–20. https://doi.org/ 10.4137/AUI.S11463.
3.Alhowikan, A. M. (2016). Benefits of physical activity for autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review. Saudi Journal of Sports Medicine,16, 163-7. https://doi.org/ 10.4103/1319-6308.187558.
4.Arkesteyn, A., Van Damme, T., Thoen, A., Cornelissen, V., Healy, S., Vancampfort, D. (2022). Physical activity correlates in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review. Disability and Rehabilitation, 44(22), 6539–6550. https://doi.org/ 10.1080/09638288.2021.1970251.
5.Ayres, A. J. (2005). Sensory integration and the child: understanding hidden sensory challenges (3th ed.). Western Psychological Services.
6.Bagatell, N., Mirigliani, G., Patterson, C., Reyes, Y., & Test, L. (2010). Effectiveness of therapy ball chairs on classroom participation in children with autism spectrum disorders. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 64(6), 895–903. https://doi.org/ 10.5014/ajot.2010.09149. PMID: 21218680.
7.Bahrami, F., Movahedi, A., Marandi, S. M., &Abedi, A. (2012). Kata techniques training consistently decreases stereotypy in children with autism spectrum disorder. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 33(4), 1183–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2012.01.018.
8.Basic, A., Macesic Petrovic, D., Pantovic, L., Zdravkovic Parezanovic, R., Gajic, A., Arsic, B., & Nikolic, J. (2021). Sensory integration and activities that promote sensory integration in children with autism spectrum disorders. Human Research in Rehabilitation, 11(1), 28–38, https://doi.org/10.21554/hrr.042104.
9.Bass, M. M., Duchowny, C. A., & Llabre, M. M. (2009). The effect of therapeutic horseback riding on social functioning in children with autism. Journal of Autism Developmental Disorders, 39(9), 1261–7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-009-0734-3.
10.Ben Hassen, I., Abid, R., Ben Waer, F., Masmoudi, L., Sahli, S., Driss, T., & Hammouda, O. (2023). Intervention Based on Psychomotor Rehabilitation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD: Effect on Postural Control and Sensory Integration. Children (Basel), 10, 1480. https://doi.org/10.3390/children10091480.
11.Carbone, P. S., Smith, P. J., Lewis, C., & LeBlanc, C. (2021). Promoting the Participation of Children and Adolescents with Disabilities in Sports, Recreation, and Physical Activity. Pediatrics, 148(6):e2021054664. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2021-054664.
12.Case-Smith, J. (2005). Occupational Therapy for Children. Elsevier Mosby.
13.Case-Smith, J., & Arbesman, M. (2008). Evidence-based review of interventions for autism used in or of relevance to occupational therapy. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 62(4), 416–29. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.62.4.416.
14.Crăciun, A. E., Radu, C., Hamza, C., Rusu, D., & Rusu, O. (2017). Guide for parents who have children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). PIM.
15.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, (5th ed.). (2013). American Psychiatric Association.
16.Ferreira, J. P., Andrade Toscano, C. V., Rodrigues, A. M., Furtado, G. E., Barros, M. G., Wanderley, R. S. & Carvalho, H. M. (2018). Effects of a Physical Exercise Program (PEP-Aut) on Autistic Children's Stereotyped Behavior, Metabolic and Physical Activity Profiles, Physical Fitness, and Health-Related Quality of Life: A Study Protocol. Frontiers in Public Health, 6, 47. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2018.00047.
17.Gal, E, Cermak, S. A., & Ben-Sasson, A. (2007). Sensory Processing Disorders. Nature, assessment, and intervention. In R. L. Gabriels, & D. E. Hill (Eds.), Growing up with autism. Working with school-aged children and adolescents (pp. 95–123). Guilford Press.
18.García-Gómez, A., Risco, M. L., Rubio, J. C., Guerrero, E., & García-Peña, I. M. (2014). Effects of a Program of Adapted Therapeutic Horse-Riding in a Group of Autism Spectrum Disorder Children, Electronic Journal of Research in Educational Psychology, 12(1), 107–128, http://dx.doi.org/10.14204/ejrep.32.13115.
19.Gkotzia, E., Venetsanou, F., & Kambas, A. (2017). Motor proficiency of children with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities: a review. European Psychomotricity Journal, 9(1), 46–69.
20.Hassani, F., Shahrbanian, S., Shahidi, S. H., & Sheikh, M. (2020a). Playing games can improve physical performance in children with autism. International Journal Developmental Disabilities, 68(2), 219–226. https://doi.org/10.1080/20473869.2020.1752995.
21.Hassani, F., Sheikh, M., & Shahrbanian, S. (2020b). The physical literacy and children with autism. Early Child Development Care, 192:3, 470-480, https://doi.org/10.1080/03004430.2020.1766452.
22.Hunt, J., Zwicker, J., Godecke, E., & Raynor, A. (2023). Assessing children to identify developmental coordination disorder: A survey of occupational therapists in Australia. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12864.
23.Huri, M., Mehr, B. K., Altunaș, O., & Kayihan, H. (2014). Comparison of Tactile Preferences in Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorder and Normal Developing Children. Ergoterapi ve Rehabilitasyon Dergis, 2(1), 21–28.
24.Iwanaga, R., Honda, S., Nakane, H., Tanaka, K., Toeda, H., & Tanaka, G. (2014). Pilot Study: Efficacy of Sensory Integration Therapy for Japanese Children with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder. Occupational Therapy International, 21(1), 4–11. https://doi.org/ 10.1002/oti.1357.
25.Jia, S., Guo, C., Li, S., Zhou, X., Wang, X., & Wang, Q. (2023). The effect of physical exercise on disordered social communication in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 11:1193648. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2023.1193648.
26.Junaid, M. A., & Pullarkat, R. K. (2001). Proteomic approach for the elucidation of biological defects in autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 31(6), 557–60. https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1013242910574.
27.Kashefimehr, B., Huri, M., Kayihan, H., & Havaei, N. (2021). The relationship between the sensory processing and occupational motor skills of children with autism spectrum disorder. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 28(4), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.12968/ijtr.2019.0137.
28.Kitchin, J. (2016). Sensory Processing Specificity in Autism. Ursidae: The Undergraduate Research Journal at the University of Northern Colorado, 5(3), 44–57, http://digscholarship.unco.edu/urj/vol5/iss3/4.
29.Kocak Uyaroglu, A., Ertuzun, E., & Tas Arslan, F. (2021). The therapeutic recreation program and social skills, Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity, Suppl (2), 23–31. https://doi.org/ 10.29359/BJHPA.2021.Suppl.2.03.
30.Lane, A. E., Young, R. L., Baker, A. E., & Angley, M. T. (2010). Sensory processing subtypes in autism: association with adaptive behavior. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 40(1), 112–22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-009-0840-2. Epub 2009 Jul 31.
31.Lane, S. J., Mailloux, Z., Schoen, S., Bundy, A., May-Benson, T. A., Parham, L. D., … & Schaaf, R. C. (2019). Neural Foundations of Ayres Sensory Integration®. Brain Sciences. 9(7),153. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci9070153.
32.Lang, R., O’Reilly, M., Healy, O., Rispoli, M., Lydon, H., Streusand, W., … & Giesbers. S. (2012). Sensory integration therapy for autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 6, 1004–1018, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2012.01.006.
33.Lee, S. H., & Hodge, S. R. (2017). Children with autism spectrum disorder and physical activity: A descriptive synthesis. Journal of Physical Education and Sport Management (JPESM),. 8(1), 1–23, https://doi.org/10.5897/JPESM2016.0284.
34.Li, L., Wang, A., Fang, Q., & Moosbrugger, M. E. (2023). Physical Activity Interventions for Improving Cognitive Functions in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Protocol for a Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. JMIR Research Protocols., 12:e40383 https://doi.org/10.2196/40383.
35.Little, L. M., Dean, E., Tomchek, S. D., & Dunn, W. (2017). Classifying sensory profiles of children in the general population. Child: Care, Health and Development, 43(1), 81–88. https://doi.org/10.1111/cch.12391.
36.Lourenço, C., Esteves, D., Nunes, C., & Liu, T. (2020). Motor proficiency of children with autism spectrum disorder and typically developing children in Portugal. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 20(3), 1491–1496, https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2020.03205.
37.Male, I., Farr, W., Allard, A., Grahame, V., Maxwell, J., Reddy, V., … Parr, J. R. (2023). Integrated care for autism assessment, diagnosis and intervention. Paediatrics & Child Health, 33(9), 277–284. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paed.2023.06.004.
38.Marzouki, H., Soussi, B., Selmi, O., Hajji, Y., Marsigliante, S., Bouhlel, E., … & Knechtle, B. (2022). Effects of Aquatic Training in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biology, 11(5), 657. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11050657.
39.Mastrodimou, E., Halikia, C., Tsakalou, H., & Stavrou, E. P. (2019). The contribution of sensory integration to children with autistic spectrum disorders. 13.1–46. University of Nicosia.
40.Milajerdi, H. R., Sheikh, M., Najafabadi, M. G., Saghaei, B., Naghdi, N., & Dewey, D. (2021). The Effects of Physical Activity and Exergaming on Motor Skills and Executive Functions in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Games for Health Journal, 10(1), 33–42. https://doi.org/10.1089/g4h.2019.0180.
41.Miller, H. L., Licari, M. K., Bhat, A., Aziz-Zadeh, L. S., Van Damme, T., Fears, N. E., … & Tamplain, P. M. (2024). Motor problems in autism: Co-occurrence or feature? Developmental Medicine & Child Neurolog,. 66(1), 16–22. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15674.
42.Muneer, P., & Sultana, D. (2019). The influence of Structured Physical Activity Intervention on Fundamental Motor Skills Development of Children with Mild and Moderate Autism Spectrum Disorder. International Journal of Sport Culture and Science, 7(4). https://doi.org/10.14486/IntJSCS.2019.584.
43.Nacario, A. R. (2016). The Effectiveness of Physical Activity Interventions on Young Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-Analysis [Master thesis, Humboldt State University]. Repository. https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/3/
44.Ohara, R., Kanejima, Y., Kitamura, M., & Izawa, K. P. (2019). Association between Social Skills and Motor Skills in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. European journal of investigation in health, psychology and education, 10(1), 276–296. https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe10010022.
45.Oster, L. M., & Zhou, G. (2022). Balance and Vestibular Deficits in Pediatric Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Underappreciated Clinical Aspect. Autism Research and Treatment. 7568572. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/7568572.
46.Pan, C. Y., Chu, C. H., Tsai, C. L., Sung, M. C., Huang, C. Y., & Ma, W. Y. (2017). The impacts of physical activity intervention on physical and cognitive outcomes in children with autism spectrum disorder. Autism, 21(2), 190–202. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361316633562.
47.Peeters, T. (2009). Autisme. Van begrijpen tot begeleiden (A. Ivasiuc, Trans.). Polirom. (Original work published 2009).
48.Pfeiffer, B. A., Koenig, K., Kinnealey, M., Sheppard, M., & Henderson, L. (2011). Effectiveness of sensory integration interventions in children with autism spectrum disorders: a pilot study. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 65(1), 76–85. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2011.09205.
49.Phytanza, D. T. P., Burhaein, E., Lourenço, C. C. V., & Pavlovic, R. (2023). Physical activity based on manipulative exercise: how it affects the gross motor of children with autism for 12 years old? International Journal of Disabilities Sports and Health Science, 6(2), 171–180. https://doi.org/10.33438/ijdshs.1258177.
50.Pimenta, R. A., Zuchetto, A. T. Bastos, T., & Corredeira, R. (2016). Effects of a Swimming Program for Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Revista Internacional de Medicina y Ciencias de la Actividad Física y el Deporte. 16(64), 789-806. http://dx.doi.org/10.15366/rimcafd2016.64.011.
51.Purpura, G., Cerroni, F., Carotenuto, M., Nacinovich, R., & Tagliabue, L. (2022). Behavioural differences in sensorimotor profiles: A comparison of preschool-aged children with sensory processing disorder and autism spectrum disorders. Children (Basel),. 9, 408. https://doi.org/10.3390/children9030408.
52.Randell, E., Wright, M., Milosevic, S., Gillespie, D., Brookes-Howell, L., Busse-Morris, M., … & McNamara, R. (2022). Sensory integration therapy for children with autism and sensory processing difficulties: the SenITA RCT. Health Technology Assessment, 26(29), 1–140. https://doi.org/10.3310/TQGE0020.
53.Rech, J. P., Irwin, J. M., Rosen, A. B., Baldwin, J., & Schenkelberg, M. (2022). Comparison of Physical Activity Between Children with and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 39(4), 456–481. https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.2021-0152.
54.Roley, S. S., Mailloux, Z., Parham, L. D., Schaaf, R. C., Lane, C. J., & Cermak, S. (2015). Sensory integration and praxis patterns in children with autism. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 69(1), 6901220010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2015.012476.
55.Roșca, A. M., Rusu, L., Marin, M. I., Ene Voiculescu, V., & Ene Voiculescu, C. (2022). Physical Activity Design for Balance Rehabilitation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Children (Basel), 9(8),1152. https://doi.org/10.3390/children9081152.
56.Schaaf, R. C., Toth-Cohen, S., Johnson, S. L., Outten, G., & Benevides, T. W. (2011). The everyday routines of families of children with autism: examining the impact of sensory processing difficulties on the family. Autism, 15(3), 373–89. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361310386505.
57.Schaaf, R. C., Dumont, R. L. M., Arbesman, M., & May-Benson, T. A. (2018). Efficacy of Occupational Therapy Using Ayres Sensory Integration®: A Systematic Review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72(1), 7201190010p1-7201190010p10. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2018.028431.
58.Sorensen, C., & Zarrett, N. (2014). Benefits of Physical Activity for Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Comprehensive Review. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 1, 344–353. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-014-0027-4.
59.Sowa, M., & Meulenbroek, R. (2012). Effects of physical exercise on Autism Spectrum Disorders: A meta-analysis. Research Autism Spectrum Disorders, 6, 46–57, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2011.09.001.
60.Srinivasan, S. M., Pescatello, L. S., & Bhat, A. N. (2014). Current Perspectives on Physical Activity and Exercise Recommendations for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Physical Therapy, 94, 875–889. https://doi.org/ 10.2522/ptj.20130157.
61.Stins, J. F., Emck, C., de Vries, E. M., Doop, S., & Beek, P. J. (2015). Attentional and sensory contributions to postural sway in children with autism spectrum disorder. Gait Posture, 42, 199–203. https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2015.05.010.
62.Stock Kranowitz, C. (2022). The Out-of-Sync Child. Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Differences (2nd ed.) (A. Sârbu, Trans.). Frontiera. (Original work published 2022).
63.Talay-Ongan, A., & Wood, K. (2010). Unusual Sensory Sensitivities in Autism: a possible crossroads. International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, 47(2), 201–212. https://doi.org/10.1080/713671112
64.Tan, B. W., Pooley, J. A., & Speelman, C. P. A. (2016). Meta-Analytic Review of the Efficacy of Physical Exercise Interventions on Cognition in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. Journal of Autism Developmental Disorders, 46(9), 3126–43. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2854-x.
65.Thompson, C. J. (2011). Multi-Sensory Intervention Observational Research. International Journal of Special Education, 26(1), 202–214.
66.Toscano, C. V. A., Ferreira, J. P., Quinaud, R. T., Silva, K. M. N., Carvalho, H. M. & Gaspar, J. M. (2022). Exercise improves the social and behavioral skills of children and adolescent with autism spectrum disorders. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13,1027799. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1027799.
67.Wang, Z., Gui, Y., & Nie, W. (2022). Sensory Integration Training and Social Sports Games Integrated Intervention for the Occupational Therapy of Children with Autism. Occupational Therapy International, 9693648. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/969.3648. Retraction in: Occupational Therapy International. 2023 Aug 16; 2023:9823565. https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/9823565
68.Ward, S. C., Whalon, K., Rusnak, K., Wendell, K., & Paschall, N. (2013). The association between therapeutic horseback riding and the social communication and sensory reactions of children with autism. Journal of Autism Developmental Disorders, 43(9), s2190–8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-013-1773-3.
69.Watling, R. L., & Dietz, J. (2007). Immediate effect of Ayres’ sensory integration-based occupational therapy intervention on children with autism spectrum disorders. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 61, 574–583. https://doi.org/ 10.5014/ajot.61.5.574.
70.World Health Organization. Autism. [2021-09-09]. http://www.who.int/features/qa/85/en/
71.Willis, C. (2009). Creating Inclusive Learning Environments for Young Children. What to do on Monday Morning. Corwin Press.
72.Yu, C. C. W., Wong, S. W. L., Lo, F. S. F., So, R. C. H., & Chan, D. F. Y. (2018). Study protocol: a randomized controlled trial study on the effect of a game-based exercise training program on promoting physical fitness and mental health in children with autism spectrum disorder. BMC Psychiatry,18(1), 56. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-018-1635-9.
73.Zhao, M., & Chen, S. (2018). The Effects of Structured Physical Activity Program on Social Interaction and Communication for Children with Autism. Biomed Research International, 1825046. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/1825046.