History of swimming and aquatic exercise intervention studies for autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

History of swimming and aquatic exercise intervention studies for autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder -Process leading to intervention studies aimed at improving core symptoms -〔abstract〕 This study reviewed the history of swimming and aquatic exercise intervention studies for ASD and AD/HD with the aim of contribute to the development of more effective instructional methods. 40 intervention studies screened by eligibility criteria were included in the analysis. The history of swimming and aquatic exercise for ASD and AD/HD was divided into two periods:from 1900 to 2000, before intervention studies began in earnest, and from 2000 to the present, after intervention studies began in earnest. Intervention studies were initially dominated by behavioral studies with physical functions as the outcome. Subsequently, instructional methods diversified as outcomes expanded to cognitive and socio-emotional functions, and high-quality study designs were adopted.In the future, it is necessary to clarify the effect mechanisms of swimming and aquatic exercise and to discuss their therapeutic-educational significance.