Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Effects of Physical Activity and Massage Therapy on Sleep Disorders Among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

  • Review Paper
  • Published:
Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Sleep disturbances are common for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and can have detrimental effects. Sleep disturbances may negatively impact the general well-being and quality of life of children.

Objectives

The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effect of physical activity (PA) interventions and massage therapy (MT) on sleep disturbances in children with ASD.

Methods

We reviewed empirical research focusing on the effect of PA and MT on sleep-related variables published from inception to January 2023. Five electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, PsycInfo, and Web of Science) were included in the search. Outcomes included sleep efficiency, sleep-onset latency, sleep duration, sleep behavior, and sleep quality. PEDro and McMaster’s scales were used to assess the quality of included studies.

Results

The search yielded a total of 20 studies meeting all inclusion criteria. Fifteen studies related to the effects of PA and five studies related to the effects of MT on sleep disorders in children with ASD. The total number of participants was 511.

Conclusion

PA and MT have beneficial effects on sleep efficiency, sleep-onset latency, wake after sleep onset, and sleep quality. In addition, aquatic exercise and swimming were found to be particularly effective in improving sleep in children with ASD.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

Data Availability

Not applicable.

References

  • Adib Saber, F., Shojaei, M., Daneshfar, A., & Hossein Khanzadeh, A. (2019). Aquatic exercise on stereotypic behaviors and sleep habits in children with autism spectrum disorder. Middle Eastern Journal of Disability Studies, 9, 110.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aleksandrovic, M., Jorgic, B., Block, M., & Jovanovic, L. (2016). The effects of aquatic activities on physical fitness and aquatic skills in children with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review (pp. 351–362). Facta Universitatis, Series.

    Google Scholar 

  • Amihăesei, I. C., & Mungiu, O. (2012). Main neuroendocrine features and therapy in primary sleep troubles. Revista Medico-Chirurgicala a Societatii De Medici Si Naturalisti Din Iasi, 116(3), 862–866.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Anagnostou, E., Zwaigenbaum, L., Szatmari, P., Fombonne, E., Fernandez, B. A., Woodbury-Smith, M., Brian, J., Bryson, S., Smith, I. M., & Drmic, I. (2014). Autism spectrum disorder: Advances in evidence-based practice. CMAJ, 186(7), 509–519.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Ansari, S., AdibSaber, F., Elmieh, A., & Gholamrezaei, S. (2021). The effect of water-based intervention on sleep habits and two sleep-related cytokines in children with autism. Sleep Medicine, 82, 78–83.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Astorino, T., Baker, J., Brock, S., Dalleck, L., Goulet, E., Gotshall, R., Hutchison, A., Knight-Maloney, M., Kravitz, L., & Laskin, J. (2012). Beneficial effects of clinical exercise rehabilitation for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Journal of Exercise Physiologyonline, 15(2), 71–79.

    Google Scholar 

  • Azarniveh, M. S., & Tavakoli Khormizi, S. A. (2016). Effect of physical activity on quality of sleep in female students. Journal of Gorgan University of Medical Sciences, 18(2), 108–114.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barnes, D. B. (2019). Short term examination of physical activity and sleep quality with children with autism spectrum disorder. Honors Undergraduate Theses, pp 490. https://stars.library.ucf.edu/honorstheses/490

  • Benson, S. (2017). An investigation of sleep and physical activity in young adults with autism spectrum disorder and the effects of a physical activity intervention (Master’s thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/24915

  • Brand, S., Gerber, M., Beck, J., Hatzinger, M., Pühse, U., & Holsboer-Trachsler, E. (2010). High exercise levels are related to favorable sleep patterns and psychological functioning in adolescents: A comparison of athletes and controls. Journal of Adolescent Health, 46(2), 133–141.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brand, S., Jossen, S., Holsboer-Trachsler, E., Pühse, U., & Gerber, M. (2015). Impact of aerobic exercise on sleep and motor skills in children with autism spectrum disorders–a pilot study. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 11, 1911–1920. https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S85650

  • Burns, P. B., Rohrich, R. J., & Chung, K. C. (2011). The levels of evidence and their role in evidence-based medicine. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 128(1), 305.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Buxton, O. M., Lee, C. W., L’Hermite-Balériaux, M., Turek, F. W., & Van Cauter, E. (2003). Exercise elicits phase shifts and acute alterations of melatonin that vary with circadian phase. American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 284(3), R714–R724.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chaidez, V., Hansen, R. L., & Hertz-Picciotto, I. (2014). Gastrointestinal problems in children with autism, developmental delays or typical development. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44, 1117–1127.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, L.-Y., Tiong, C., Tsai, C.-H., Liao, W.-C., Yang, S.-F., Youn, S.-C., Mai, F.-D., & Chang, H.-M. (2015). Early-life sleep deprivation persistently depresses melatonin production and bio-energetics of the pineal gland: Potential implications for the development of metabolic deficiency. Brain Structure and Function, 220, 663–676.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chokroverty, S. (2010). Overview of sleep & sleep disorders. Indian Journal of Medical Research, 131(2), 126–140.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cohen, S., Conduit, R., Lockley, S. W., Rajaratnam, S. M., & Cornish, K. M. (2014). The relationship between sleep and behavior in autism spectrum disorder (ASD): A review. Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, 6(1), 1–10.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Driver, H., & Taylor, S. (2000). Sleep and exercise. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 4, 387–402.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Escalona, A., Field, T., Singer-Strunck, R., Cullen, C., & Hartshorn, K. (2001). Brief report: Improvements in the behavior of children with autism following massage therapy. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 31, 513–516.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Esposito, D., Belli, A., Ferri, R., & Bruni, O. (2020). Sleeping without prescription: Management of sleep disorders in children with autism with non-pharmacological interventions and over-the-counter treatments. Brain Sciences, 10(7), 441.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Field, T. (2018). Postnatal anxiety prevalence, predictors and effects on development: A narrative review. Infant Behavior and Development, 51, 24–32.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Field, T., Lasko, D., Mundy, P., Henteleff, T., Kabat, S., Talpins, S., & Dowling, M. (1997). Brief report: Autistic children’s attentiveness and responsivity improve after touch therapy. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 27(3), 333–338.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Foley, N. C., Bhogal, S. K., Teasell, R. W., Bureau, Y., & Speechley, M. R. (2006). Estimates of quality and reliability with the physiotherapy evidence-based database scale to assess the methodology of randomized controlled trials of pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions. Physical Therapy, 86(6), 817–824.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Forquer, L. M., & Johnson, C. M. (2005). Continuous white noise to reduce resistance going to sleep and night wakings in toddlers. Child & Family Behavior Therapy, 27(2), 1–10.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fung, J. K. K., Tsang, H. W., & Chung, R. C. (2012). A systematic review of the use of aromatherapy in treatment of behavioral problems in dementia. Geriatrics & Gerontology International, 12(3), 372–382.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gervais, M. (2010). Sleep problems in adults with intellectual disabilities: An exploratory analysis of support workers’ causal attributions, sleep quality and treatment acceptability Major research project and clinical research portfolio. University of Glasgow.

  • Giannotti, F., Cortesi, F., Cerquiglini, A., Vagnoni, C., & Valente, D. (2011). Sleep in children with autism with and without autistic regression. Journal of Sleep Research, 20(2), 338–347.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gunnar, M. R. (1992). Reactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical system to stressors in normal infants and children. Pediatrics, 90(3), 491–497.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hagar, K. A. (2004). The effect of physical activity on sleep in children with autism. Oregon State University. Crovallis. http://hdl.handle.net/1957/22605

  • Halladay, A. K., Bishop, S., Constantino, J. N., Daniels, A. M., Koenig, K., Palmer, K., Messinger, D., Pelphrey, K., Sanders, S. J., & Singer, A. T. (2015). Sex and gender differences in autism spectrum disorder: Summarizing evidence gaps and identifying emerging areas of priority. Molecular Autism, 6(1), 1–5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hassani, F., Shahrbanian, S., Shahidi, S. H., & Sheikh, M. (2022a). Playing games can improve physical performance in children with autism. International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 68(2), 219–226. https://doi.org/10.1080/20473869.2020.1752995

  • Hassani, F., Sheikh, M., & Shahrbanian, S. (2022b). The physical literacy and children with autism. Early Child Development and Care, 192(3), 470–480. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004430.2020.1766452

  • Hibberd, C., Charman, T., Bhatoa, R. S., Tekes, S., Hedderly, T., Gringras, P., & Robinson, S. (2020). Sleep difficulties in children with Tourette syndrome and chronic tic disorders: A systematic review of characteristics and associated factors. Sleep, 43(6), zsz308.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kanupka, J. W., Oriel, K. N., George, C. L., Crist, L., Deardorff, K., Douglass, D., Prenger, K., Ulicny, R., & Wirick, D. (2018). The impact of aquatic exercise on sleep behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Intellectual Disability-Diagnosis and Treatment, 6(1), 1–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Keogh, S., Bridle, C., Siriwardena, N. A., Nadkarni, A., Laparidou, D., Durrant, S. J., Kargas, N., Law, G. R., & Curtis, F. (2019). Effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for insomnia in children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE, 14(8), e0221428.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Kester, K. R., & Lucyshyn, J. M. (2018). Cognitive behavior therapy to treat anxiety among children with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 52, 37–50.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krakowiak, P., Goodlin-Jones, B., Hertz-Picciotto, I., Croen, L. A., & Hansen, R. L. (2008). Sleep problems in children with autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, and typical development: A population-based study. Journal of Sleep Research, 17(2), 197–206.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Kredlow, M. A., Capozzoli, M. C., Hearon, B. A., Calkins, A. W., & Otto, M. W. (2015). The effects of physical activity on sleep: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 38, 427–449.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lane, A. E., Young, R. L., Baker, A. E., & Angley, M. T. (2010). Sensory processing subtypes in autism: Association with adaptive behavior. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 40, 112–122.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lane, S. J., Leão, M. A., & Spielmann, V. (2022). Sleep, sensory integration/processing, and autism: A scoping review. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 877527.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Lang, C., Brand, S., Feldmeth, A. K., Holsboer-Trachsler, E., Pühse, U., & Gerber, M. (2013). Increased self-reported and objectively assessed physical activity predict sleep quality among adolescents. Physiology & Behavior, 120, 46–53.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Law, M. C., & MacDermid, J. (2008). Evidence-based rehabilitation: A guide to practice. Slack Incorporated.

  • Law, M., Stewart, D., Letts, L., Pollock, N., Bosch, J., & Westmorland, M. (1998). Guidelines for critical review of qualitative studies. McMaster University occupational therapy evidence-based practice research Group, 1–9.

  • Lawson, L. M., & Little, L. (2017). Feasibility of a swimming intervention to improve sleep behaviors of children with autism spectrum disorder. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 51(2). https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2017-V51-I2-7899

  • Lee, H., Kim, S., & Kim, D. (2014). Effects of exercise with or without light exposure on sleep quality and hormone reponses. Journal of Exercise Nutrition & Biochemistry, 18(3), 293.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Levin, A., & Scher, A. (2016). Sleep problems in young children with autism spectrum disorders: A study of parenting stress, mothers’ sleep-related cognitions, and bedtime behaviors. CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 22(11), 921–927.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Linnehan, A., Cannon, B., & Luiselli, J. K. (2022). Parent-mediated home intervention for delayed sleep-onset and night waking in a child with autism spectrum disorder. Clinical Case Studies, 21(2), 119–131.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Loomes, R., Hull, L., & Mandy, W. P. L. (2017). What is the male-to-female ratio in autism spectrum disorder? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 56(6), 466–474.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lu, W.-P., Tsai, W.-H., Lin, L.-Y., Hong, R.-B., & Hwang, Y.-S. (2019). The beneficial effects of massage on motor development and sensory processing in young children with developmental delay: A randomized control trial study. Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 22(7), 487–495.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Maher, C. G., Sherrington, C., Herbert, R. D., Moseley, A. M., & Elkins, M. (2003). Reliability of the PEDro scale for rating quality of randomized controlled trials. Physical Therapy, 83(8), 713–721.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Malviya, R. (2019). Phenomenal studies of Tai Chi Chuan, Tui Na and Thai Massage Ritika Malviya, Akash Yadav, Neelam Balekar (p. 7). University Grants Commission, New Delhi Recognized Journal.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marrin, K., Drust, B., Gregson, W., Morris, C., Chester, N., & Atkinson, G. (2011). Diurnal variation in the salivary melatonin responses to exercise: Relation to exercise-mediated tachycardia. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 111, 2707–2714.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McLay, L.-L.K., & France, K. (2016). Empirical research evaluating non-traditional approaches to managing sleep problems in children with autism. Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 19(2), 123–134.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Meng, X., Li, Y., Li, S., Zhou, Y., Gan, R.-Y., Xu, D.-P., & Li, H.-B. (2017). Dietary sources and bioactivities of melatonin. Nutrients, 9(4), 367.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Miano, S., Bruni, O., Elia, M., Trovato, A., Smerieri, A., Verrillo, E., Roccella, M., Terzano, M. G., & Ferri, R. (2007). Sleep in children with autistic spectrum disorder: A questionnaire and polysomnographic study. Sleep Medicine, 9(1), 64–70.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Michalczak, A., Chochowska, M., & Marcinkowski, J. (2014). Evaluation of the efficacy of Shantala massage for infants. Hygeia Public Health, 49(3), 501–506.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moyer, C. A., Rounds, J., & Hannum, J. W. (2004). A meta-analysis of massage therapy research. Psychological Bulletin, 130(1), 3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • NaraSiNgharao, K., PradhaN, B., & NavaNeetham, J. (2017). Efficacy of structured yoga intervention for sleep, gastrointestinal and behaviour problems of ASD children: An exploratory study. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research: JCDR, 11(3), V1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Niemi, A.-K. (2017). Review of randomized controlled trials of massage in preterm infants. Children, 4(4), 21.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Oriel, K. N., Kanupka, J. W., DeLong, K. S., & Noel, K. (2016). The impact of aquatic exercise on sleep behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder: A pilot study. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 31(4), 254–261.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Patzold, L., Richdale, A., & Tonge, B. (1998). An investigation into sleep characteristics of children with autism and Asperger’s disorder. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 34(6), 528–533.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Phadraig, A. N. G., & Smyth, S. (2023). Sleep mediates the relationship between having an autistic child and poor family functioning. Sleep Medicine, 101, 190–196.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Piravej, K., Tangtrongchitr, P., Chandarasiri, P., Paothong, L., & Sukprasong, S. (2009). Effects of Thai traditional massage on autistic children’s behavior. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 15(12), 1355–1361.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rana, M., Kothare, S., & DeBassio, W. (2021). The assessment and treatment of sleep abnormalities in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: A review. Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 30(1), 25.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Randazzo, A. C., Muehlbach, M. J., Schweitzer, P. K., & Waish, J. K. (1998). Cognitive function following acute sleep restriction in children ages 10–14. Sleep, 21(8), 861–868.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rettig, M. A., & McCarthy-Rettig, K. (2006). A survey of the health, sleep, and development of children adopted from China. Health & Social Work, 31(3), 201–207.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Romero, M., Aguilar, J. M., Del-Rey-Mejías, Á., Mayoral, F., Rapado, M., Peciña, M., Barbancho, M. Á., Ruiz-Veguilla, M., & Lara, J. P. (2016). Psychiatric comorbidities in autism spectrum disorder: A comparative study between DSM-IV-TR and DSM-5 diagnosis. International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology, 16(3), 266–275.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Sackett, D. L., & Haynes, R. B. (2002). The Architecture of Diagnostic Research. Bmj, 324(7336), 539–541.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Sackett, D., Straus, S., Scott Richardson, W., Rosenberg, W., & Haynes, R. (2000). (2000). Evidence-based medicine: How to practice and teach EBM (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scantlebury, A., Mcdaid, C., Dawson, V., Elphick, H., Fairhurst, C., Hewitt, C., Parker, A., Spiers, G., Thomas, M., & Wright, K. (2018). Non-pharmacological interventions for non-respiratory sleep disturbance in children with neurodisabilities: A systematic review. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 60(11), 1076–1092.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schreck, K. A., Mulick, J. A., & Smith, A. F. (2004). Sleep problems as possible predictors of intensified symptoms of autism. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 25(1), 57–66.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shahrbanian, S., Kateb, M. Y., Doyle-Baker, P. K., & Hassani, F. (2021). Physical activity for children with autism spectrum disorder during COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 1–5.

  • Silva, L. M., Cignolini, A., Warren, R., Budden, S., & Skowron-Gooch, A. (2007). Improvement in sensory impairment and social interaction in young children with autism following treatment with an original Qigong massage methodology. The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 35(03), 393–406.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Silva, L. M., Schalock, M., Ayres, R., Bunse, C., & Budden, S. (2009). Qigong massage treatment for sensory and self-regulation problems in young children with autism: A randomized controlled trial. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 63(4), 423–432.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Spira, A. P., Chen-Edinboro, L. P., Wu, M. N., & Yaffe, K. (2014). Impact of sleep on the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 27(6), 478.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Stores, G. (1999). Children’s sleep disorders: Modern approaches, developmental effects, and children at special risk. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 41(8), 568–573.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tatsumi, Y., Mohri, I., Shimizu, S., Tachibana, M., Ohno, Y., & Taniike, M. (2015). Daytime physical activity and sleep in pre-schoolers with developmental disorders. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 51(4), 396–402.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Thi Vui, L., Minh, D. D., Thuy Quynh, N., et al. (2022). Early screening and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders in Vietnam: A population-based cross-sectional survey. Journal of Public Health Research, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.4081/jphr.2021.2460

  • Thomas, S., Hinkley, T., Barnett, L., May, T., & Rinehart, N. (2019). Young children with ASD participate in the same level of physical activity as children without ASD: Implications for early intervention to maintain good health. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49, 3278–3289.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tordjman, S., Anderson, G. M., Bellissant, E., Botbol, M., Charbuy, H., Camus, F., Graignic, R., Kermarrec, S., Fougerou, C., & Cohen, D. (2012). Day and nighttime excretion of 6-sulphatoxymelatonin in adolescents and young adults with autistic disorder. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 37(12), 1990–1997.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tse, C. Y. A., Lee, H. P., Chan, K. S. K., Edgar, V. B., Wilkinson-Smith, A., & Lai, W. H. E. (2019). Examining the impact of physical activity on sleep quality and executive functions in children with autism spectrum disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Autism, 23(7), 1699–1710.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tse, A. C., Lee, P. H., Zhang, J., Chan, R. C., Ho, A. W., & Lai, E. W. (2022). Effects of exercise on sleep, melatonin level, and behavioral functioning in children with autism. Autism, 26(7), 1712–1722.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Uchida, S., Shioda, K., Morita, Y., Kubota, C., Ganeko, M., & Takeda, N. (2012). Exercise effects on sleep physiology. Frontiers in Neurology, 3, 48.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Wachob, D., & Lorenzi, D. G. (2015). Brief report: Influence of physical activity on sleep quality in children with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(8), 2641–2646.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Walaszek, R., Maśnik, N., Marszałek, A., Walaszek, K., & Burdacki, M. (2018). Massage efficacy in the treatment of autistic children–a literature review. International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 64(4–5), 225–229.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, B., Isensee, C., Becker, A., Wong, J., Eastwood, P. R., Huang, R.-C., Runions, K. C., Stewart, R. M., Meyer, T., & Brüni, L. (2016). Developmental trajectories of sleep problems from childhood to adolescence both predict and are predicted by emotional and behavioral problems. Frontiers in Psychology, 7, 1874.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, J.-G., Cai, K.-L., Liu, Z.-M., Herold, F., Zou, L., Zhu, L.-N., Xiong, X., & Chen, A.-G. (2020). Effects of mini-basketball training program on executive functions and core symptoms among preschool children with autism spectrum disorders. Brain Sciences, 10(5), 263.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Werling, D. M., & Geschwind, D. H. (2013). Sex differences in autism spectrum disorders. Current Opinion in Neurology, 26(2), 146.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Wilk, I. (2015). Shantal massage–description and implementation method. Medical Science Pulse, 9, 31–36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams, T. I. (2006). Evaluating effects of aromatherapy massage on sleep in children with autism: A pilot study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 3, 373–377.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, K. E. (2019). The effect of swimming exercise on amount and quality of sleep for children with autism spectrum disorder. Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects, pp 986. https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/986

  • Wiwanitkit, V. (2010). Thai massage and autism: Correlation? The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 16(6), 613. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2010.0024

  • Youngstedt, S. D., O’Connor, P. J., & Dishman, R. K. (1997). The effects of acute exercise on sleep: A quantitative synthesis. Sleep, 20(3), 203–214.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zisapel, N. (2007). Sleep and sleep disturbances: Biological basis and clinical implications. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 64, 1174–1186.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zuckerman, B., Stevenson, J., & Bailey, V. (1987). Sleep problems in early childhood: Continuities, predictive factors, and behavioral correlates. Pediatrics, 80(5), 664–671.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Humanities, Department of Sport Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

    Samaneh Ekradi & Shahnaz Shahrbanian

  2. Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Northridge, CA, USA

    Teri Todd

  3. Faculty of Sports Science, Department of Sports Science, Gedik University, Istanbul, Turkey

    Fahimeh Hassani

Authors
  1. Samaneh Ekradi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Shahnaz Shahrbanian
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Teri Todd
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Fahimeh Hassani
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Shahnaz Shahrbanian.

Ethics declarations

Competing interests

The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Ekradi, S., Shahrbanian, S., Todd, T. et al. Effects of Physical Activity and Massage Therapy on Sleep Disorders Among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Rev J Autism Dev Disord (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-024-00433-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-024-00433-6

Keywords

Search

Navigation