Exercise for parents of individuals with autism spectrum disorder: a mixed method pilot study

Objectives Parents of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) do not meet World Health Organization physical exercise recommendations. The first purpose was to assess the necessity, barriers, and facilitators to exercise from the perspective of parent caregivers of persons with ASD to inform an exercise program. A second purpose was to pilot test an exercise program for parents (HR1902028815). Methods In this mixed methods study, thirty parents completed qualitative interviews. Based on the interviews, an hour-long, 3–4 times a week instructor-led exercise program was developed and piloted for 10 parents. Five parents completed the 9-week program. Results Participants (N = 10) showed improved sit to stand time [pre 9.71 (3.32) post 8.22 (2.44), p = 0.03] with a large effect size (d = 0.81). There were improvements with a medium effect size for decrease in hip circumference (d = 0.53) and increase in right hand grip strength (d = –0.51) and improvement with a small effect size for decreased body fat (d = 0.38). Conclusions Results indicated that preference-based group exercise can benefit ASD parents and that they need support to prioritize exercise. Participation in the exercise program was most feasible and acceptable for the parent participants that were older, with older children. Future studies with a larger, more diverse sample are recommended.