Randomized trial shows trampoline exercise reduces anxiety and enhances motor skills in children with autism, suggesting a beneficial nonpharmacological intervention.
Key Points
To examine the effects of an 8-week trampoline exercise program on anxiety and motor skills in children with autism spectrum disorder.
Randomized controlled trial with 50 children aged 9-14 years with mild-to-moderate ASD
Participants assigned to trampoline exercise group or resistance training control group for 8 weeks
Primary outcomes measured included anxiety (SCARED) and heart rate variability (HRV)
Intervention group showed a significant reduction in anxiety scores (Δ = -9.4, P < .001, δ = -0.92)
Improvements in HRV (Δ RMSSD: +8.51 ms, P = .003, δ = -0.66) were noted
Standing long jump improved significantly in intervention group (Δ = +15.0 cm, P < .001, δ = -0.68)