Health benefits of adapted physical activity for children and adolescents with autism Using the ICF-CY framework: A scoping review.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to conduct a scoping review of the health benefits of adapted physical activity (APA) programs for children and adolescents with autism based on the ICF-CY.

METHODS

Retrieving experimental studies related to APA in children and adolescents (0-18 years) with autism in the PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, PsycINFO, and CNKI databases, January 2014-December 2023.

RESULTS

A total of 34 studies were included (involving 13 countries and 997 subjects). Coding of health effects according to ICF-CY categories, 52% of the 210 outcome items focused on body functions, 48% on activities and participation.

CONCLUSIONS

With its individualized, diversified and structured characteristics, APA not only serves as an effective non-pharmacological treatment strategy, but also an important way to promote the health of children and adolescents with autism in all-round way. However, the complexity of environmental factors makes it challenging to design an APA program based on the concept of ICF-CY.