Does exercise improve autism symptoms in schoolchildren? Original paper

In this meta-analysis of 21 randomized controlled trials and 2 nonrandomized trials in 937 boys and girls (average ages of 5–16) with autism spectrum disorder, exercise interventions improved some autism symptoms.

This Study Summary was published on June 13, 2025.

The study

The exercise interventions included cycling, basketball training, martial arts, and trampoline jumping. The comparators included no intervention, walking, usual care, and playing video games. The intervention duration ranged from 2 weeks to 6 months.

Compared to the control, exercise interventions improved motor skills and coordination (small effect size) and behavioral problems (medium effect size).

The methodological quality was high in 1 trial, good in 14 trials, and fair in 8 trials.

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The results

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This Study Summary was published on June 13, 2025.