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The Efficacy of a 9-Month Treadmill Walking Program on the Exercise Capacity and Weight Reduction for Adolescents with Severe Autism

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Abstract

This study evaluated the efficacy of a 9-month treadmill walking (TW) program on exercise capacity and body mass index (BMI) for adolescents with severe autism. Ten youth residing in a residential/school treatment facility were assigned to either a supplemental treadmill walking (TW) or control group. Both groups continued to participate in their regular physical education curriculum. Monthly records were maintained for the following: (a) TW progression in frequency, duration, speed and elevation; (b) caloric expenditure; and (c) BMI. The TW program resulted in significant increases in mean monthly TW frequency, speed, elevation, and calories expended coupled with a reduction in BMI.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, 67260-0043, USA

    Kenneth H. Pitetti

  2. Department of Physician Assistant, College of Health Professions, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, 67260-0043, USA

    Andrew D. Rendoff

  3. Heartspring, Wichita, KS, USA

    Travis Grover

  4. Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA

    Michael W. Beets

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  1. Kenneth H. Pitetti
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  2. Andrew D. Rendoff
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  4. Michael W. Beets
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Correspondence to Kenneth H. Pitetti.

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Pitetti, K.H., Rendoff, A.D., Grover, T. et al. The Efficacy of a 9-Month Treadmill Walking Program on the Exercise Capacity and Weight Reduction for Adolescents with Severe Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 37, 997–1006 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-006-0238-3

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