A Meta-analysis of the intervention effects of ball sports on children with autism Spectrum disorder.

Yiling Wang; Lan Luo; Yuxi Da; Linbing Wang; Qi Xiao; Xiaofei Xiao

doi:10.1016/j.actpsy.2026.107447

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A Meta-analysis of the intervention effects of ball sports on children with autism Spectrum disorder.

Yiling Wang·Lan Luo·Yuxi Da·Linbing Wang·Qi Xiao·Xiaofei Xiao

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Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the overall efficacy of ball sports interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to explore potential moderators that may influence intervention outcomes. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials were retrieved from nine databases (e.g., CNKI, PubMed) from 2000 to April 2025. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4 and Stata 18.0, with subgroup analyses by age, duration, frequency, session length, and ball sport type. RESULTS: A total of 14 randomized controlled trials involving 406 children were ultimately included. Meta-analysis results indicated that ball sports had a significant overall intervention effect on children with ASD (SMD = -1.12, 95% CI: -1.56, -0.68, P < 0.05), with significant improvements observed in social skills (SMD = -0.55), verbal communication (SMD = -0.85), and behavioral problems (SMD = -1.10). Subgroup analysis indicated that interventions involving mini-basketball or other ball sports with simple rules-conducted over a 12-week period, 3-5 times per week, for 30-60 min per session-yielded better outcomes, with children aged 3-6 years showing more consistent benefits. CONCLUSION: Ball-based interventions effectively alleviate core ASD symptoms. Structured moderate-intensity programs are recommended as adjunct therapies. Future studies should standardize protocols and examine long-term benefits.

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Humans Autism Spectrum Disorder Child Child, Preschool Sports Social Skills Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic Male Treatment Outcome Autism Spectrum disorder Ball sports intervention Children meta-analysis Journal Article Meta-Analysis Review

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Yiling Wang, Lan Luo, Yuxi Da, Linbing Wang, Qi Xiao, Xiaofei Xiao. 2026-07-15. A Meta-analysis of the intervention effects of ball sports on children with autism Spectrum disorder.. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2026.107447

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