Graduation Date

Spring 2024

Document Type

Thesis

Program

Master of Science degree with a major in Kinesiology

Committee Chair Name

Dr. Jill Anderson

Committee Chair Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Second Committee Member Name

Dr. Taylor Bloedon

Second Committee Member Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Third Committee Member Name

Dr. Ara Pachmayer

Third Committee Member Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Keywords

Autism spectrum disorder, ASD, Adapted aquatics, Aquatics, Inclusive, Cardiorespiratory fitness, VO2max, Adapted PE, Physical activity, Water safety, Swim barriers, Co-teaching

Subject Categories

Kinesiology

Abstract

There is a need to examine the effectiveness of interventions, such as swimming, that are aimed at increasing physical health and developing psychomotor skills in an inclusive setting for children with ASD. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an inclusive, small-group adapted aquatics program on increasing VO2max in children with ASD. Participants included two 11-year-old children diagnosed with ASD. The study took place over eight weeks and included a six-week Small-Group Adapted Aquatics (SGAA) program. Participants were assessed for VO2max using the 20m PACER test during week one and week eight of the study. Both participants showed a significant increase in VO2max scores over the course of the study, indicating that an inclusive, small-group adapted aquatics program is effective in increasing VO2max in children with ASD. Limitations of this study are discussed and recommendations for future studies can be found in conclusions.

Citation Style

APA

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Thesis/Project Location

 
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