DataSheet2_Effects of different exercise interventions on executive function in children with autism spectrum disorder: a network meta-analysis.docx

BackgroundA large body of research has identified the positive effects of physical activity on children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, the specific benefits of different types of sports on executive functioning in children with ASD remain unclear. The aim of this study was to further analyze the effects of different sports on executive functioning in children with ASD using reticulated meta-analysis and to establish their effectiveness ranking.
MethodsThis study conducted a comprehensive online search in Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and CNKI databases. It included randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies, and synthesized the data using a Bayesian framework.
ResultsSeveral relevant studies were included. The results showed that physical activity significantly improved all three dimensions of executive functioning (inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and working memory) in children with ASD. The improvement in cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control both reached a medium effect size. However, the improvement in inhibitory control was better than that in cognitive flexibility, while the improvement in working memory did not reach the level of a medium effect. Mini Basketball was effective in improving inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility, but not working memory. Ping Pong was more effective in cognitive flexibility and working memory, but weaker in inhibitory control. Fixed Bicycle was less effective in all three dimensions. Among other interventions, Learning Bicycles, Animal-assisted therapy, and Exergaming performed better in cognitive flexibility. SPARK, Neiyang Gong, and Martial Arts were also effective in improving inhibitory control. However, SPARK and Fixed Bicycle were not significant in improving working memory.
ConclusionPhysical activity as an intervention can significantly improve the executive function of children with ASD. The intervention effects of different sports on different dimensions of executive function vary. Mini Basketball was outstanding in improving inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. Ping Pong was effective in improving cognitive flexibility and working memory. Fixed Bicycle was not effective in any dimension.

背景：大量研究已证实体育运动对自闭症谱系障碍（Autism Spectrum Disorders, ASD）儿童具有积极影响，但不同类型体育运动对ASD儿童执行功能的具体益处仍不明确。本研究旨在通过网状Meta分析（reticulated meta-analysis），进一步探究不同体育运动对ASD儿童执行功能的影响，并建立其有效性排名。
方法：本研究在Web of Science、PubMed、Cochrane、Embase以及中国知网（CNKI）数据库中开展了全面的线上检索，纳入随机对照试验与类实验研究，并采用贝叶斯框架（Bayesian framework）对数据进行整合分析。
结果：本研究纳入了多项相关研究。结果显示，体育运动可显著改善ASD儿童执行功能的三个维度：抑制控制、认知灵活性与工作记忆。其中认知灵活性与抑制控制的提升均达到中等效应量，但抑制控制的改善效果优于认知灵活性，而工作记忆的提升未达到中等效应量水平。迷你篮球（Mini Basketball）可有效改善抑制控制与认知灵活性，但对工作记忆无显著改善效果；乒乓球（Ping Pong）对认知灵活性与工作记忆的改善效果更佳，但对抑制控制的改善作用较弱；固定自行车（Fixed Bicycle）在三个维度上的改善效果均较为有限。在其余干预方式中，学习自行车（Learning Bicycles）、动物辅助疗法（Animal-assisted therapy）与运动体感游戏（Exergaming）在改善认知灵活性方面表现更优；SPARK、内观功（Neiyang Gong）与武术（Martial Arts）对改善抑制控制亦具有显著效果。不过，SPARK与固定自行车对改善工作记忆的效果未达显著水平。
结论：体育运动作为干预手段可显著改善ASD儿童的执行功能，不同体育运动对执行功能各维度的干预效果存在差异。迷你篮球在改善抑制控制与认知灵活性方面表现突出；乒乓球可有效改善认知灵活性与工作记忆；固定自行车在各维度上均未展现出显著干预效果。