Effects of Exergaming on Repetitive Behaviors and Cognition Impairment of Autistic Children

Abstract

Physical exercise decreases repetitive behaviors in autistic children and improves cognitive function across the lifespan. Exergaming combines physical and mental exercise simultaneously by linking physical activity movements to visual feedback control and yield better compliance with exercise. Fifteen children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) completed on Dance-Dance-Revolution (DDR); fifteen additional youths completed on cyber cycling. Repetitive behaviors and executive functions were measured before and after each activity. Repetitive behaviors significantly decreased, while performance on digits-backwards improved following the exergaming conditions compared with the control condition.