Physical Workability, Physical Preparedness and Physical Activity of Schoolchildren With Disorders of the Autic Spectrum

Abstract

Increasing numbers of children with ASD, high social significance, and economic benefits on the one hand, and single, contradictory and disparate data on capabilities of children with ASD on the other make relevant comprehensive studies of indicators of their development. Participants: 18 children with ASD aged 11-13 years (main group - MG), and 30 children aged 11-12 years without ASD (control group - CG). 11 tests were used to assess the level of fitness. Functional reserve of the cardiovascular system was determined by the degree of recovery of heart rate after metered exercise (30 squats for 45 seconds). Motor activity was determined according to the results of the self-report of the children themselves (and their caregivers). Statistical analysis. The indicators of children with RAS were compared with the normative values and indicators of children without RAS. The discrepancy was determined by the Mann-Whitney test. Results. There was no relationship between physical activity volume and the relative body mass of students with ASD. Low levels of physical performance of the cardiovascular system of schoolchildren were accompanied by low levels of physical activity. The level of school readiness of pupils with ASD in the test on the speed of spelling of the letter "O" and in the clap in the palm corresponded to the indicators of 6-year-old children. There was a significant significant lag in all tests of physical fitness of schoolchildren of MG by indicators of CG. Conclusions. In terms of body weight, body length and relative body mass, students with ASD and without ASD are similar. Physical activity of students of MG is significantly lower than that of CG. Students with ASD are characterized by significant delays in the process of writing-related motor skills. The rating of lagging physical qualities at schoolchildren with ASD was established. It is not confirmed that the biggest differences between MG and CG are observed in balancing. Keywords: physical qualities, motor readiness for school, autism, motor skills