Effects Of Circuit Training On Externalizing Behaviors In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

PURPOSE: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently experience a range of comorbid conditions, including anxiety and depression, which can further complicate their lives. Moreover, children with ASD commonly exhibit challenging behaviors such as aggression, tantrums, and irritability, collectively known as externalizing behaviors. These behaviors may impair their quality of life and social interactions. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a structured circuit training program on reducing externalizing behaviors in children with ASD. METHODS: Twenty-eight male children aged 4-10 years were recruited from a day-care center and divided into two groups: a group with ASD (n = 14) and non-ASD (n = 14). All participants underwent a 6-month circuit training intervention, with sessions held once weekly for 45 minutes. Circuit training included a variety of exercises such as balance beam, mini hurdles, and trampoline, which were selected and adapted based on each child's individual preferences and abilities. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was administered to parents before and after the intervention to assess changes in their children’s externalizing behaviors. RESULTS: The ASD group exhibited a significantly greater improvement in "Conduct Problems" compared to the non-ASD group following the circuit training intervention. The median score for "Conduct Problems" decreased from 4.0 to 2.5 (P = 0.012). Moreover, the ASD group demonstrated a significantly greater decrease in "Conduct Problems" from pre- to post-intervention compared to the non-ASD group (-1.0 ± 1.2 vs. 0.0 ± 1.2, P = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Circuit training program improved externalizing behaviors in children with ASD. The results suggest that a combination of factors, including individualized exercise choices, opportunities for success, positive reinforcement, and appropriate physical exertion, contributed to reduced challenging behaviors. The dynamic and varied nature of the circuit training program may have also facilitated the development of executive functions, such as behavioral inhibition and planning.