Effects of aquatic exercise intervention on executive function and brain-derived neurotrophic factor of children with autism spectrum disorder.
Twelve weeks of pool games boost inhibition and cognitive flexibility in autistic kids while raising brain-growth chemicals.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Zhao et al. (2024) ran a 12-week aquatic exercise program for children with autism.
Kids came to the pool twice a week for structured water games and swimming drills.
The team tested inhibition, cognitive flexibility, working memory, and a brain-growth protein before and after.
What they found
The water group got better at stopping impulsive moves and switching tasks.
Their blood showed more BDNF, a protein that helps brain cells grow.
Working memory scores did not move, but the other gains held.
How this fits with other research
Healy et al. (2018) pooled 29 trials and already said physical activity helps autistic youth move and socialize.
The new trial sharpens that picture: water workouts also train the thinking brakes.
Ludyga et al. (2024) looks like a clash—they saw one 20-minute bike ride hurt face-reading accuracy.
The gap is time: a quick burst tires the brain, while weeks of water play build it.
Bassette et al. (2023) showed teens can learn gym workouts on land; Peiting adds that the pool builds executive muscle too.
Why it matters
You can add a short pool block to the treatment plan and expect real gains in self-control.
No extra table-top drills are needed—just kickboards and relays.
If a child hates land sports, water days may keep both body and brain in training.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
BACKGROUND: Limited knowledge exists regarding the effectiveness of aquatic exercise intervention for improving executive function (EF) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Additionally, the impact of aquatic exercise on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in children with ASD requires further investigation. AIMS: This study aimed to explore the effects of a 12-week aquatic exercise intervention on core EF and BDNF levels in children with ASD. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Thirty children with ASD were assigned to an experimental or control group. The experimental group underwent a 12-week aquatic exercise intervention, while the control group engaged in supervised free activities. Pre- and post-intervention assessments measured EF and BDNF levels. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: The experimental group showed significant improvements (p < 0.05) in inhibition control, cognitive flexibility, and BDNF levels. However, working memory did not significantly improve. The control group exhibited no significant changes in EF or BDNF levels. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Aquatic exercise appears to be a beneficial intervention for cognitive development in children with ASD, as it enhances inhibition control, cognitive flexibility, and BDNF levels in children with ASD. Furthermore, the observed improvements in EF following aquatic exercise intervention in children with ASD may be associated with increased BDNF levels.
Research in developmental disabilities, 2024 · doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104759