The Effect of Aerobic Exercises on Balance, Aerobic Capacity, and Cognitive Functions in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background: The increasing prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) worldwide highlights the importance of rehabilitation services, as ASD is often associated with gross motor and cognitive impairments. However, it has not yet been investigated whether aerobic exercise can enhance the effects of conventional physiotherapy on balance, aerobic capacity, and cognitive functions. Methods: This study included 30 children aged 8–11 years with diagnosed ASD. Fifteen children were assigned to control group who performed conventional physiotherapy, while the other 15 of the experimental group had combined conventional physiotherapy with an additional aerobic exercise. Balance was assessed using the modified Berg Balance Scale, aerobic capacity with the 6-minute run test (modified Cooper test), and cognitive functions were assessed using RehaCom computer system tasks evaluating topological memory and logical reasoning. Results: The results showed that balance scores and aerobic capacity increased significantly (p < 0.05), while no significant changes were observed in the control group. Regarding cognitive functions, the experimental group showed significantly reduced task solving time and memory acquisition time, as well as a shorter reaction time median (p < 0.05). No significant changes were found in the control group. Conclusions: The integration of aerobic exercise into conventional physiotherapy significantly improves balance, aerobic capacity, and cognition in children with autism spectrum disorder, highlighting the efficacy of a combined therapeutic approach Keywords: Cognition, aerobic endurance, autism spectrum disorder, postural control