Applicability of Motor Assessments in Monitoring Physical Exercise Outcomes in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Scoping Review

Abstract

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior as well as difficulties in communication and social interaction is defined as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The specific characteristics observed in children with ASD require carefully selected and methodologically justified instruments for the assessment of motor competence, i.e. the assessment of motor skills and physical abilities. The aim of this study is to broadly examine the application of test procedures (instruments) used by researchers in studies in which physical activity intervention is applied in children with ASD and to analyze the methodological justification of their choice. This scoping review was conducted following a systematic search strategy in accordance with the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Based on the literature search and eligibility criteria, 34 papers were included in the final qualitative synthesis. The reviewed literature reveals considerable heterogeneity in the selection of instruments, with the most frequently used being the Test of Gross Motor Development-2/3, the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2. These instruments primarily asess motor skills, although many studies also include additional measures of physical abilities for which the authors do not provide clear references regarding their source or origin, representing a methodological limitation. This review highlights the need for the development of standardized instruments that assess both motor skills and physical abilities while accounting for the unique cognitive and social characteristics of children with ASD and varying levels of support needs.