Effect of Play-Based Exercise Programme on Aerobic Fitness For Children With Neurodevelopmental Disability – A Randomized Controlled Trial
Keywords:
Neurodevelopmental disorders, aerobic capacity, play-based interventions, physical activity, children, enjoyment.Abstract
To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured play-based aerobic exercise program in improving aerobic capacity and physical activity enjoyment among children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Methods: A randomized controlled trial with a single-blind, pretest–posttest parallel design was conducted with 54 children aged 6–12 years diagnosed with various NDDs (including ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Cerebral Palsy, and Down Syndrome). The intervention group participated in a structured set of ten play-based games, performed three times weekly for one hour over six weeks. Aerobic capacity was assessed using the 10-Meter Shuttle Run Test to estimate VO₂ max, and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) was used to measure enjoyment. Results: The experimental group demonstrated a significant increase in VO₂ Max, from 18.00 (±1.00) to 23.10 (±1.30), whereas the control group showed minimal change, from 17.50 to 18.00. Additionally, PACES scores in the experimental group significantly improved from 58.15 ± 4.03 to 66.48 ± 4.00 (t = 8.448, p < .001). In contrast, the control group exhibited a non-significant change from 57.56 ± 3.97 to 58.30 ± 4.06increase from 57.56 ± 3.97 to 58.30 ± 4.06, indicating minimal change with intervention.
Conclusion: Structured play-based aerobic activities offer an effective, enjoyable, and accessible approach to enhance cardiorespiratory fitness and encourage physical activity in children with NDDs. Such programs are particularly useful in environments with limited access to conventional therapy options.
