Davydova E., Movchan A., Solovyova M., Davydov D. Comparative Assessment of the Effectiveness of Adaptive Physical Education Programs for Primary School Children with ASD
Elisaveta Yu. Davydova, Ph.D (Biology), Leading Researcher, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education (MSUPE), Moscow, Russia; bld. 29, Sretenka str., Moscow, Russia, 127051; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5192-5535; davidovaeju@mgppu.ru
Anna A. Movchan, Junior Research Assistant, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education (MSUPE), Moscow, Russia; bld. 29, Sretenka str., Moscow, Russia, 127051; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5112-2735; movchanaa@mgppu.ru
Marina V. Soloveva, Methodist, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education (MSUPE), Moscow, Russia; bld. 29, Sretenka str., Moscow, Russia, 127051; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0896-2477; solovevamv@mgppu.ru
Denis V. Davydov, Ph.D (Biology), Senior Research Assistant, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education (MSUPE), Moscow, Russia; bld. 29, Sretenka str., Moscow, Russia, 127051; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0993-3803; davydovdv@mgppu.ru
Background and Aim. Motor function impairments in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) significantly affect their physical, cognitive, and communicative development, making research in this area highly relevant. Adaptive physical education, particularly the “Out Fitness” program, aims to address motor impairments and enhance motor skills in children with ASD. The study aims to compare the effectiveness of standard and adapted physical education programs and to test the “Out Fitness” method for assessing motor function in children with ASD.
Methods. The study included 60 children diagnosed with ASD. In the comparison group, children participated in standard physical education, while the experimental group followed the adapted “Out Fitness” program tailored to the specific needs of children with ASD. The previously developed comprehensive diagnostic method “Out Fitness” was used to evaluate changes in motor activity indicators.
Results. The “Out Fitness” program demonstrated significant advantages over traditional physical education, particularly in parameters such as jump length, throw distance, exercise technique, independence, and understanding of instructions. Children in the adapted program showed greater improvements in motor skills and daily motor activities, such as object manipulation and locomotion, compared to the control group.
Conclusion. The “Out Fitness” program proved more effective in enhancing motor and daily living skills in children with ASD compared to traditional physical education. The “Out Fitness” method demonstrated its validity as a comprehensive diagnostic tool for assessing motor impairments in children with ASD, offering the ability to consider both physical and communicative aspects of development.
Key words: autism spectrum disorders, adaptive physical education, motor functions, physical development, “Out Fitness” program
For citation: Davydova, E., Movchan, A., Solovyova, M., Davydov, D. (2025). Comparative Assessment of the Effectiveness of Adaptive Physical Education Programs for Primary School Children with ASD. New Psychological Research, No. 1, 226–244. DOI: 10.51217/npsyresearch_2025_05_01_10
Keywords: autism spectrum disorders adaptive physical education motor functions physical development “Out Fitness” program
Received: 08th april 2025
Published: 08th april 2025