Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Department of Sports Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Isfahan University, Isfahan, Iran
2 Department of Corrective Exercise and Sport Injuries, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
3 Department of Electricity and electronics, Faculty of Electricity and electronics, Safahan Institute, Isfahan, Iran
4 Department of Mental Health Nursing, Isfahan Khorasgan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives: The present study was conducted in order to determine the effect of a movement program course with a step light table on the cortisol level and sleep disorders of children with autism spectrum .
Materials and methods: In this semi-experimental study, 20 children with autism spectrum aged 6 to 12 years were randomly divided into two groups of 10 (exercise group with light table and control group). The exercise group with the light table and the control group with the simple screen received the movement program of stepping patterns for 12 weeks in 4 sessions of 45 minutes per week under the supervision of their trainers. Salivary cortisol measurement and assessment of sleep disorders with the Pittsburgh Questionnaire were performed in two pre-test and post-test sessions for both groups. The data were analyzed by analysis of covariance at a significant level (P<0.05).
Results: The results showed that in the post-test, the average level of cortisol in the exercise group with a light table decreased significantly compared to the control group (p=0.018), as well as a significant decrease in the score of sleep disorders in the exercise group with a light table compared to the group Control was observed (p=0.032).
Conclusions: Based on the results of this research, if square stepping exercises are provided with visual and audio feedback from technology, significant changes can be seen in reducing cortisol levels and sleep disorders in children with autism spectrum .
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