Atividades motoras planejadas no cenário da educação infantil: influência nos perfis de sintomas e motor de crianças com o transtorno do espectro autista (TEA)

Abstract

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) present deficits in social interaction and communication, repetitive and restrictive behaviors. They may also present deficits in the motor profile in relation to posture, manipulation and gait delay. The objective of the study was to identify the influence of a physical exercise program on the symptom and motor profiles of children with ASD. The research was a cross-sectional, quasi-experimental clinical study based on a quantitative approach. Five children participated in the study, 03 male and 02 female, mean age and standard deviation of 3,7±0,47 years, enrolled at the Colégio de Aplicação Telma Vitória (CATV) located on the A. C. Simões Campus of the Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), in the city from Maceió – Alagoas. The data collection procedures were: a) application of scales to characterize the participants' profile Autistic Traits Scale (ATA) and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS); b) individualized assessment of motor development using the Operationalized Portage Inventory (IPO) instrument; c) application of ten intervention sessions with physical exercise, moderate intensity and twice weekly frequency of 40-60 minutes - items a and b were reapplied post-intervention and d) analysis of the results based on descriptive statistics with absolute frequency distribution (n) and relative (%), 95% confidence interval, mean and standard deviation. From the characterization of the profile of the disorder's symptoms, the participants' pre- and post-intervention mean and standard deviation values were identified, respectively 8.4±1.4 and 4.4±1.3 for ATA subscales XX and XXI, demonstrating a reduction in pre and post comparative values. It was also observed that, of the five participating children, only one showed a change in the severe pre-classification category for assessment and mild to moderate post-intervention classification according to CARS. For the IPO results, a positive influence on the motor profile was identified, presenting the following mean values and standard deviations, pre and post-intervention, respectively: 24.9±23.7% and 65.9±32.8% (0-1 year); 28.6±28.9% e 69,7±39.8% (1-2 years); 9.4±16.8% and 52.5±26.6% (2-3 years). The intervention model with strength, coordination and balance exercises demonstrated a positive influence on the symptom profile and motor profile of children with ASD.