Fabrício Bruno Cardoso, Filipe M Bonone, Lucianara Braga, Washington Adolfo Battista, Aliny Carvalho Dematté, João Vitor Galo Esteves and Alfred Sholl-Franco
Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition associated with deficits in executive functions (EF) and reaction times, which are critical for learning and social interaction. Movement-based interventions have shown promise in improving these abilities in children with ASD.
Objective: This double-blind, controlled study aimed to evaluate the effects of the Neuropsychopedagogical Motor Intervention Program (NMIP) on executive functions and reaction times in children with ASD.
Materials and methods: A total of 107 children with ASD, aged 7 to 8 years, were randomly assigned to experimental (n = 64) and control (n = 43) groups. The NMIP, consisting of 36 sessions, focused on enhancing motor coordination, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control through structured activities. EF was assessed using the Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders (HTKS) test, and reaction times were measured using the Reaction Time Ruler Test. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted in a blinded manner.
Results: The experimental group showed a 61.34% improvement in HTKS scores compared to 16.69% in the control group (p< 0.01). Reaction times in the experimental group decreased by 39.98%, compared to 10.01% in the control group (p< 0.01). Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences between groups, with the experimental group demonstrating superior outcomes in both HTKS and reaction time performance.
Conclusion: The NMIP significantly enhanced EF and reduced reaction times in children with ASD, highlighting its potential as an effective and accessible intervention. The findings emphasize the importance of movement-based programs in promoting cognitive and motor development. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of the NMIP and its applicability in diverse cultural settings.
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