Two-week trampoline intervention improves anxiety and motor performance in children with autism spectrum disorder: A randomized controlled feasibility study

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often leads to anxiety and social and motor issues. There is a research gap in comprehensive ASD interventions. This study used a randomized controlled trial to explore the effects of a two-week trampoline exercise on children with ASD aged 9 - 12. 12 children were divided into an intervention and a control group. The intervention group did trampoline training 3 times a week for 30 minutes. Results showed that the heart rate variability HRV in the intervention group dropped significantly (p = 0.0009), indicating anxiety relief. One-leg standing with eyes closed (OLS) improved (p <0.05), and the standing long-jump (SLJ) extended significantly (p = 0.02), showing better lower limb power and balance. There were no significant changes in body mass index(BMI). Trampoline exercise seems to be an effective non-pharmacological intervention for children with ASD, improving mental health and motor skills. However, long-term effects are unknown, given the small sample size and short intervention. More long-term studies are needed to explore its impact on social and cognitive functions.