Identifying the most proximal multi-level factors associated with meeting each of the 24-h movement behavior recommendations in a sample of autistic adults.
Sean Healy, Benjamin Brewer, Elissa Hoopes and 6 others
PMID 36089505WHAT IT FOUND
Autistic adults with more comorbidities had lower odds of meeting sleep guidelines.
Those with greater daily living independence and who attended more group activities were more likely to meet physical activity guidelines. These are correlations from a survey, not proof that changing these factors improves health.
Key findings
01For every additional reported comorbidity, respondents had an estimated 0.59 reduced odds of meeting sleep duration recommendations.
02Every additional group activity attended in the last 3-months was associated with a 1.06 increased odds of meeting physical activity guidelines.
03Every point increase in the Waisman Activities of Daily Living scale (indicating lower independence) was estimated to decrease expected odds of meeting physical activity recommendations by 0.09.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study used a self-selected, convenience sample, which may not represent all autistic adults. Data were cross-sectional, so it is impossible to determine if the identified factors cause better health behaviors or are simply associated with them. Information was based on self- or proxy-report, which can be inaccurate. The study did not confirm autism diagnoses clinically. The analysis did not fully account for cognitive factors like attitudes toward physical activity.
Declared interests
The study was supported by N.I.H. Extramural funding. No other conflicts of interest were reported in the provided text.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that increasing group activities or independence will directly cause an autistic adult to meet physical activity guidelines. These are associations found in a survey, not evidence from an intervention trial that changing these factors improves health outcomes.