Physical Activity for Anxiety for Autistic People: A Systematic Review.

This study looked at whether physical activities can help reduce anxiety in autistic people. Researchers reviewed 8 studies that tested different activities like yoga, football programs, walking with apps, group exercise, and horse riding. The results showed these activities helped reduce anxiety in both autistic children and adults. More research is needed to find out which types of exercise work best and how often they should be done.

This systematic review examined physical activity interventions for reducing anxiety in autistic people. Researchers searched three databases and identified 8 studies meeting inclusion criteria from an initial 44 studies. The review evaluated various physical activity types including yoga, community football programs, app-assisted walking, group exercise, and horseback riding. Evidence suggests these interventions can effectively reduce anxiety in both autistic children and adults.

The authors rated the overall evidence as strong-to-moderate quality. However, the review identified gaps in determining optimal physical activity modes, frequency, duration, and intensity for anxiety reduction in the autism population.

Physical activity represents a viable, evidence-based intervention for anxiety in autistic individuals across age groups. Clinicians can consider recommending various activity types based on individual preferences and capabilities. However, individualized approaches are needed as optimal parameters remain undefined.

Small number of included studies (8 from 44 initial). Optimal physical activity mode, frequency, duration, and intensity remain unclear. Limited guidance on which interventions work best for specific individuals or anxiety severity levels.

Clinical anxiety is a common comorbidity in autistic people. Due to the prevalence of anxiety in the autism population and the adverse effects it causes, there is a critical need to develop effective interventions which address anxiety symptoms for autistic people. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of the use of physical activity as an intervention to reduce anxiety in autistic people. Three databases PubMed, PsychInfo, and Cochrane RCTs, were searched utilizing key terms.

PRISMA systematic search procedures identified 44 studies meeting predetermined inclusion criteria. Participant characteristics, the type of physical activity performed, the nature of the physical activity program/delivery, anxiety-related outcomes, and research methodology was evaluated for each study. Each paper included was appraised and scored for risk of bias using Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions risk of bias tool. Titles and abstracts of 44 articles were reviewed and 8 articles met inclusion criteria which evaluated interventions.

Evidence from 8 studies suggests that yoga, a community-based football program, an app-assisted walking program, group exercise programs, and horseback riding interventions reduced anxiety for autistic people. The studies included in this systematic review provide strong-to-moderate evidence that physical activity can reduce anxiety for autistic children and adults. However, additional research is needed to identify which mode of physical activity is most beneficial for anxiety reduction. Further, future research should evaluate frequency, duration, and intensity and their effects on anxiety for autistic people.