Article citationsMore>>

Gunnell, K. E., Poitras, V. J., LeBlanc, A., Schibli, K., Barbeau, K., Hedayati, N. et al. (2019). Physical Activity and Brain Structure, Brain Function, and Cognition in Children and Youth: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Mental Health and Physical Activity, 16, 105-127.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mhpa.2018.11.002

has been cited by the following article:

• TITLE: Research Progress on Physical Exercise Interventions for Executive Function in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

  AUTHORS: Yuanyuan Liu

  KEYWORDS: Physical Exercise, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Executive Function, Intervention

  JOURNAL NAME: Open Journal of Social Sciences, Vol.14 No.4, April 17, 2026

  ABSTRACT: The executive dysfunction theory posits that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit deficits in executive function (EF), adversely affecting their individual development, school readiness, and academic achievement. Emerging evidence suggests that physical exercise can effectively improve EF in children with ASD. This article systematically reviews studies on physical exercise interventions for EF in children and adolescents (aged 3 - 18 years) with ASD. Existing interventions are categorized into five types based on exercise modality: ball sports, martial arts, combat sports, acute exercise, and game-based exercise. Through an age-stratified analysis of research evidence within each category, this review elucidates the current state, efficacy, and limitations across different developmental stages (preschool, school-age, and adolescence). The underlying neural mechanisms are also discussed, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the progress in exercise-based EF interventions for ASD and inform the development of early motor intervention strategies.