The effect of exercise training on sleep quality in autism spectrum condition: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

We aimed to analyse the available scientific evidence on the effects of exercise programs on sleep quality in autism spectrum condition. Studies were searched in five electronic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCOhost Environment Complete, Dialnet Plus and Scopus) until February 2024 (updated in August 2024). A total of ten randomized clinical trials were included. The pooled mean difference for subjective sleep duration (Child's Sleep Habits Questionnaire [CSHQ] sub-scale), total CSHQ score, objective sleep duration and objective efficiency were - 1.62 points (95 % confidence interval [CI] - 2.34 to - 0.91; p < 0.001), -9.43 points (95 % CI: -16.89 to -1.97, p < 0.001), 0.42 h (95 % CI: 0.05-0.80, p = 0.03) and 9.91 % (95 % CI: 5.04-14.78, p < 0.001), respectively. In conclusion, exercise can serve as an adjunct therapy for managing sleep-related problems among children on the autism spectrum.