Structural exercise-based intervention for health problems in individuals with autism spectrum disorders: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Exercise-based intervention promises to be more effective in a structured framework for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The aim of this study was to observe changes in behavior of individuals with ASD by investigating their physical status after the structured exercise-based intervention. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The exercise intervention integrated an 8-week exercise program that included aerobic, resistive, and neuromuscular exercises. Body composition and the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) were evaluated to assess changes after the exercise-based intervention. RESULTS: After the exercise intervention, the fat mass of individuals with ASD were significantly reduced, and their behavior improved markedly. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study demonstrated that individuals with ASD require long-term, structured exercise-based intervention, and that such exercise-based intervention is effective for improving their health.