The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Depression and Academic Performance of University Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The role of exercise in autism

Abstract

Depression is the most common Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) co-morbidities, and have been shown to relate to significantly poorer life functioning. ASD can also result in social isolation, debilitating moods, and stereotypical behaviors, which can negative effect academic performance. Young adults with ASD are less likely to enroll in college than are people with other types of disabilities. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of an exercise program on depression and academic performance within university students with ASD. University students with ASD participated in a circuit training exercise protocol for three weeks. Depressive mood states were measured pre-and-post exercise session by a self-report questionnaire, whereas, academic performance was evaluated pre-and-post study by the professor. Participants mood improved after a bout of exercise on the first training day, however, it was not observed in the following weeks. There were no changes in academic performance. Exercise might be effective on academic performance when the protocol is performed at a longer rate. However, a bout of exercise prior to class could ameliorate ASD university student performance during class by the improvement of depression.