title: The Effect of Therapeutic Horseback Riding on Social Functioning in Children with Autism Brief Report: Effect of a Focused Imitation Intervention on Social Functioning in Children with Autism The Efficacy of a 9-Month Treadmill Walking Program on the Exercise Capacity and Weight Reduction for Adolescents with Severe Autism
abstract: This study evaluated the effects of therapeutic horseback riding on social functioning in children with autism . We hypothesized that participants in the experimental condition ( n = 19 ) , compared to those on the wait-list control ( n = 15 ) , would demonstrate significant improvement in social functioning following a 12-weeks horseback riding intervention .  Autistic children exposed to therapeutic horseback riding exhibited greater sensory seeking , sensory sensitivity , social motivation , and less inattention , distractibility , and sedentary behaviors . The results provide evidence that therapeutic horseback riding may be a viable therapeutic option in treating children with autism spectrum disorders Imitation is an early skill thought to play a role in social development , leading some to suggest that teaching imitation to children with autism should lead to improvements in social functioning . This study used a r and omized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of a focused imitation intervention on initiation of joint attention and social-emotional functioning in 27 young children with autism . Results indicated the treatment group made significantly more gains in joint attention initiations at post-treatment and follow-up and social-emotional functioning at follow-up than the control group . Although gains in social functioning were associated with treatment , a mediation analysis did not support imitation as the mechanism of action . These findings suggest the intervention improves social functioning in children with ASD This study evaluated the efficacy of a 9-month treadmill walking ( TW ) program on exercise capacity and body mass index ( BMI ) for adolescents with severe autism . Ten youth residing in a residential/school treatment facility were assigned to either a supplemental treadmill walking ( TW ) or control group . Both groups continued to participate in their regular physical education curriculum . Monthly records were maintained for the following : ( a ) TW progression in frequency , duration , speed and elevation ; ( b ) caloric expenditure ; and ( c ) BMI . The TW program result ed in significant increases in mean monthly TW frequency , speed , elevation , and calories expended coupled with a reduction in BMI
target: DISCUSSION Physical activity has a positive impact on the health and wellness of human beings , as well as a major role in the prevention of several chronic pathologies .
  Planned and correctly directed physical activity allows developing motor skills and generating positive psychological context s and behavioral changes in children with ASD
background: OBJECTIVE To identify the strategies used in the development of planned and scientifically documented physical activity , as well as the results achieved with those interventions in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder ( ASD ) .