Effects of a Nintendo Switch exergaming intervention in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and physical activity experiences in children and adults with ASD
Date
2025
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of the most prevalent pediatric developmental disorders that impacts an individual’s social communication, behavior, motor, and cognitive performance. Poor gross-motor performance can negatively impact autistic children’s physical activity (PA) levels and have cascading effects on other areas of development. For example, poor motor skills leads to disinterest in playing with peers, further reducing their opportunities for socialization. Additionally, lower rates of PA contribute to poor long-term physical health and increase the risk for chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Exergaming (i.e., using video gaming to promote exercise training) is a highly engaging approach with limited evidence suggesting that exergaming may increase participation in PA and contribute to motor improvements in individuals with ASD. The goals of this dissertation were to: (i) examine the effects of exergaming on motor and PA performance in individuals with ASD, (ii) examine physical activity habits and preferences of individuals with ASD, and (iii) examine PA experiences, including PA barriers and supports, of individuals with ASD. ☐ In the first aim, we conducted a systematic review on the use of digital movement interventions (DMI). Our findings suggest that DMI interventions can improve PA of individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) and intellectual disabilities (ID) such as ASD, with the greatest results observed from Nintendo Wii technology-based interventions. Regarding motor performance, our findings suggest that DMI may be more effective at promoting motor performance in individuals with DD and ID compared to those with DD without ID, but more research is needed in this area. ☐ Aim 2 found that a Nintendo Switch based motor intervention showed high feasibility and acceptability based on child, trainer, and parent reports. Overall, children, trainers, and parents found the intervention to be a beneficial and a relatively low-cost option to promote PA in their child. Our findings offer preliminary evidence for the highly engaging and accessible nature of Nintendo Switch technology to promote PA in autistic children when delivered by skilled and unskilled providers. The Nintendo group showed significant improvements in standardized gross motor testing scores for balance, bilateral-coordination, agility, and strength. Stakeholders participating in the Nintendo Switch exergaming intervention described improvements in PA habits following the Nintendo Switch exergaming intervention. These findings suggest that the NE is highly feasible and has preliminary efficacy for improving motor performance and PA levels in autistic youth. ☐ Finally, in Aim 3, we conducted a large-scale exploratory survey study examining PA preferences, barriers, accessible PA opportunities, self-efficacy, and beliefs in caregivers of autistic children and autistic adults. Our study found that caregivers of autistic children and autistic adults report a preference for general exercise activities done at home. Partner preferences varied: caregivers expressed wanting their child to work with a partner with a similar skill level, while self-advocates preferred doing activities solo. Both the caregivers of autistic children and autistic adults reported preferences for large group activities the least. ☐ Aims 1 and 2 of this dissertation extend our understanding of the value of exergaming technologies to enhance/support movement therapies in autistic children. Additionally, findings from Aim 3 provide valuable data on PA preferences, barriers, accessible PA opportunities, self-efficacy and beliefs of autistic individuals that can be utilized by PA providers, clinicians, and researchers to develop effective PA interventions for autistic individuals.
Description
Keywords
Autism, Beliefs, Exergaming, Physical activity, Preferences