A quarterly publication of the Autism Research Institute
Spring 2026 | Number 2, Volume 40
Two reports, one from China and another from Sweden, add to evidence that physical exercise can significantly benefit individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
In the first study, Liqiang Zhang and colleagues analyzed data from 12 randomized controlled trials involving 482 participants. They report, “In the subgroup analysis of children with ASD with comorbid anxiety symptoms (six studies, 219 participants), exercise interventions were associated with a significant reduction in anxiety levels, demonstrating a moderately large effect size.” Aerobic exercise, in particular, appeared to reduce anxiety, with higher exercise frequency leading to greater benefits. Additional benefits of exercise included moderate to large improvements in core ASD symptoms and moderate reductions in symptoms related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with rhythmic coordination exercises such as soccer showing the greatest benefit for attention control. Effects on sleep were inconclusive, due to the heterogeneity of the studies.
The researchers conclude, “Based on the accumulated evidence, we recommend implementing a combined intervention for this population. Specifically, a ‘FITT’ (frequency, intensity, time, and type of exercise) framework is suggested for consideration based on current evidence: frequency of three to four sessions per week; intensity at moderate-to-vigorous levels; time ranging from 30 to 60 min per session; and type focusing on aerobic exercise (for anxiety reduction) combined with rhythm-based team sports (for attention regulation).”
In the second study, Miriam Richter and colleagues studied the effects of a 10- to 12 week structured physical activity program on psychological symptoms, cognitive function, and sleep in 16 children between 10 and 14 years of age. At the beginning of the intervention, most of the children were sedentary. The researchers analyzed the results of the intervention using parent reports, computerized cognitive testing, and actigraphy monitoring (which tracks periods of activity and rest). They report that parents saw improvements in executive functioning (higher-level cognitive skills such as planning and problem-solving) and sensory processing, while actigraphy data showed improved sleep quality. In addition, cognitive testing suggested improvements in executive functioning.
They conclude, “A structured physical activity program may improve executive functioning (as perceived by parents and supported by objective testing), enhance sensory processing, and improve sleep quality in children with high-functioning ASD who are not regularly physically active.”
“Effects of exercise on anxiety and psychiatric comorbidities in children with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis,” Liqiang Zhang, Wenkun Song, Huina Gao, and Xingying Li, Frontiers in Psychiatry, February 20, 2026 (free online). Address: Wenkun Song, School of Physical Education, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China, [email protected].
—and—
“Improved executive function and sleep quality in preteens with high-functioning autism following a structured physical activity program,” Miriam Richter, Marie K. Taylor, Sofia Åkerlund, Sofia Backman, Sofia Krili, Björn Axel Johansson, Olof Rask, and Christine T. Ekdahl, Frontiers in Psychiatry, March 16, 2026 (free online). Address: Miriam Richter, Division of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden, [email protected].
