A new study by the University of Delaware shows that autistic children are finding benefits in exercise-based video games.
Playing the exercise-based video games or ‘exergaming' has shown to be effective in engaging with children with autism.
The UD study found that video games with built-in physical activity components can improve motor skills, movement, and the quality of life for those with autism.
Anjana Bhat is a UD physical therapy professional, and she has found three reasons why exergaming works.
She says technology has improved and shown to be effective and functional for people to use for exercise, and that post-COVID everyone is more open to using technology.
Bhat adds a third reason exergaming is effective.
"There is growing evidence that exergaming would be beneficial for not only improving physical activity and promoting exercise, but also to promote social skills, cognitive skills in children," said Bhat.
Bhat notes that parents, trainers, and children say the children find it challenging, but almost 92% loved the activities.
She explains why exergaming has worked.
"So for different reasons,” said Bhat. “I think one, the accessibility of the intervention, and the second being the effects of the intervention that we are seeing not only using game related data but also standard data where you know they haven't practiced those tests but they are showing improvements on those tests compared to the control makes me say that this is something that would be meaningful for the population."
She adds parents would continue these activities if they had access in their home and community, and they would recommend it for others.
