Introduction: The beneficial effects of physical activity in the treatment of brain-motor disorders of people with autism have received more attention, although the effects of exercise on the evaluation of motor factors (physical fitness) and brain waves have been less studied.
Methods: Eleven children with autism spectrum disorder (7-12 years) took part in the study. After a thorough medical examination and psychiatric assessment, children participated in aquatic exercise program (twice-weekly) for 8 consecutive weeks. Pre & post intervention evaluated base on QEEG (power alpha & coherence), movement assessment (euro fit exam), then stoical analyze are performed (P<0.05). The present research has been registered with the ethics committee of the faculty of sport sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University Hamadan under code IR.UMSHA.REC.1394.107.
Results: In this study, alpha wave absolute power but not coherence in frontal – occipital is significantly increased by8 consecutive weeks’ aquatic program (P<0.05). Physical Fitness assessment parameters (muscular strength/endurance, coordination, balance, flexibility) significantly improved and subside respectively (P<0.05).
Conclusions: These results indicate that aquatic exercise program may improve physical and mental disturbance in young children with autism spectrum disorder.