Gross Motor Function and Health Quality of Life Among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Participating in a Gymnastics Program: A Pilot Study

Authors

  • M. Dannielle Ayers
  • E. Laurette Taylor
  • Paul Branscum
  • Craig Hofford

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2016.160

Keywords:

Autism Spectrum Disorder, gross motor function, health quality of life

Abstract

The current study assessed impact of a gymnastics program on gross motor function and health quality of life in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Eleven children participating in gymnastics were compared to ten children in a comparison group. Measurement tools were the Test of Gross Motor Development-second edition (TGMD-2) and Pediatric Quality of Life- fourth edition (PedsQL-4.0). Results showed no between group differences for overall gross motor function and health quality of life. Statistically significant differences were found for two individual skills on the TGMD-2: run (p=.026) and gallop (p=.041). Potential confounding factors were observed (i.e. rater bias, dose response, and “toe-walking”).

Author Biographies

M. Dannielle Ayers

Melanie Dannielle Ayers, MS, Department of Health and Exercise Science: Health Promotion, University of Oklahoma-Norman, Oklahoma. Correspondence should be addressed to: MD Ayers, Department
of Health and Exercise Science, Norman, Oklahoma- 73019, (405) 325-5211 (tele) or 405-325-0594 (FAX), 

E. Laurette Taylor

E. Laurette Taylor, PhD, Associate Professor Department of Health and Exercise Science, The University of Oklahoma

Paul Branscum

Paul Branscum, Ph.D., RD, Assistant Professor & Graduate Liaison Department of Health and Exercise Science, Department of Nutritional Sciences (OUHSC),  The University of Oklahoma

Craig Hofford

Craig W. Hofford, PhD Associate Professor of Health Promotion Department of Health and Exercise Science, The University of Oklahoma

Published

2020-11-12

How to Cite

Ayers, M. D., Taylor, E. L., Branscum, P., & Hofford, C. (2020). Gross Motor Function and Health Quality of Life Among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Participating in a Gymnastics Program: A Pilot Study . American Journal of Health Studies, 31(1). https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2016.160

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