http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3 http://www.loc.gov/standards/mods/v3/mods-3-2.xsd
Physical activity patterns in children with autistic spectrum disorders
This study examined the level and determinants of physical activity (PA) in children with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) ages 5 to 12 years. Part One of this study: (a) compared the moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of 15 children with an ASD and 13 children without disabilities, (b) examined correlations between two objective measures of MVPA (activity monitor versus direct observation), and (c) examined correlations between MVPA and pre-selected contextual direct observation variables. A uniaxial activity monitor (MTI Health Services Model 7164) was worn during waking hours for four weekdays and one weekend day. Activity levels were compared between and within groups across four time periods: all day, physical education, recess, and after school. Direct observation of MVPA levels and contextual variables within the physical education and recess environment was conducted. Nonparametric statistics were used to examine between and within group differences across the four time periods and calculate correlations. Significance was set at p [< or =] .05. There were no significant differences in MVPA between groups across time periods. Children with an ASD (p = .02) and children without disabilities (p = .00) engaged in a greater percentage of MVPA during recess than after school. Activity monitor and direct observation MVPA measures were moderately to strongly correlated. Only peers, parallel play, and functional play variables in the recess context for children with an ASD were moderately correlated with MVPA as measured by both objective methods. Part Two of this study identified determinants of PA in children with an ASD using qualitative methods. Fourteen parents and 14 teachers or paraprofessional aides agreed to participate in recorded interviews concerning 19 children with an ASD. Interview data were analyzed using the constant comparison method. Three salient determinants affecting PA in this group emerged: disability, environment, and sociocultural influences. Findings from this study indicate that children with an ASD engage in similar amounts of MVPA as children without disabilities, and their PA is influenced by different determinants as children without disabilities.
Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilm Inc.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 107-131).