Aging on the Autism Spectrum: Physical Activity in Individuals Receiving State Services in the United States

Overview

Journal J Autism Dev Disord

Publisher Springer

Date 2022 Aug 7

PMID 35933645

Authors

Danielle A Waldron

Jeffrey Stokes

Caitlin E Coyle

John Kramer

Elizabeth Dugan

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

This study explores factors associated with participation in moderate physical activity and muscle strengthening activity in adults with autism receiving state services (age: 18-78 years). Researchers analyzed the National Core Indicators-In Person Survey (2017-2018) data using multilevel mixed effects logistic regression. Older adults on the autism spectrum engaged in both moderate physical activity and muscle strengthening activity less often than younger adults on the autism spectrum (OR 0.99; p < 0.05; OR 0.98; p < 0.001). Individuals reportedly in fair/poor health had 50% lower odds of engaging in moderate physical activity and 30% lower odds of engaging in muscle strengthening compared to those in good/ excellent health (OR 0.50; p < 0.001; OR 0.70; p < 0.001). Moderate physical activity/muscle strengthening initiatives may help foster this group's healthy aging.

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