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Exercise in Autism

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Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders

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Definition

Physical activity (exercise) can be defined as the expenditure of energy through body movements produced by skeletal muscles (World Health Organization [WHO] 2017). Physical activity may be structured (organized sporting events) or unstructured (use of playground equipment) and may involve commonly recognized physical exercises (e.g., running and lifting weights) as well as activities such as doing household chores and gardening (Ayvazoglu 2009; Biddle 1994; Obrusnikova and Miccinello 2012). The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI 2016) defines four types of physical activity: (a) aerobic exercises involving the sustained movement of larger muscles, as in jogging and cycling; (b) muscle-strengthening exercises such as lifting weights, push-ups, and sit-ups designed to increase muscle strength and endurance; (c) bone-strengthening exercises that require supporting one’s own body weight (e.g., rope climbing and gymnastics); and (d) stretching, which improves...

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinic for Autism Research Evaluation and Support, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA

    Russell Lang & Katherine Ledbetter-Cho

  2. Department of Health and Human Performance, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA

    Ting Liu

Authors
  1. Russell Lang
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  2. Ting Liu
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  3. Katherine Ledbetter-Cho
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Correspondence to Russell Lang .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA

    Fred R. Volkmar

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Lang, R., Liu, T., Ledbetter-Cho, K. (2018). Exercise in Autism. In: Volkmar, F. (eds) Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_102189-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_102189-1

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