Author(s): CAO, M., HOU, X., TANG, L., Institution: GUANGZHOU SPORT UNIVERSITY, Country: CHINA, Abstract-ID: 133

INTRODUCTION:
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social functioning and restricted, repetitive behaviors, in addition with poor mental health. This study aimed to explore the association between the frequency of different physical activity (PA) types and mental health outcomes in autistic adults aged 40 to 70 years.
METHODS:
We analyzed baseline data from 408 autistic individuals diagnosed by professional institutions, sourced from the UK Biobank database. Participants were categorized based on their self-reported frequency of moderate-intensity PA (MPA), vigorous-intensity PA (VPA), and walking . "Regular" activity was defined as engaging in the respective activity three or more times per week for at least 10 minutes per session, as defined within the UK Biobank. Accordingly, participants were grouped as follows: regular MPA (n=231) vs. irregular MPA (≤2 times/week, n=177); regular VPA (n=134) vs. irregular VPA (n=274); regular walking (n=337) vs. irregular walking (n=71). Mental health was assessed using a range of self-reported measures, including mood swings, miserableness, irritability, nervous feelings, and loneliness, among others. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to assess the associations between irregular PA and each mental health outcome, adjusting for age, sex, education, and family income.
RESULTS:
Compared to the regular VPA group, the irregular VPA group had significantly higher rates of miserableness (68.8% vs. 55.2%, p=0.01), fed-up feelings (66.7% vs. 52.1%, p=0.007), and suffering from nerves (41.2% vs. 30.2%, p=0.041), but a lower rate of risk-taking (32.8% vs. 45.8%, p=0.016). The irregular MPA group showed a lower rate of risk-taking (30.6% vs. 42.0%, p=0.024) compared to the regular MPA group. The irregular walking group reported higher rates of suffering from nerves (57.8% vs. 34.1%, p<0.001), loneliness (53.8% vs. 39.0%, p=0.027), and guilty feelings (54.8% vs. 40.2%, p=0.032). After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, irregular VPA remained significantly associated with higher odds of miserableness (OR=1.94, 95% CI: 1.22-3.08), fed-up feelings (OR=2.06, 95% CI: 1.30-3.27), and suffering from nerves (OR=1.75, 95% CI: 1.07-2.84), and lower odds of risk-taking (OR=0.57, 95% CI: 0.36-0.90). Irregular MPA was associated with lower odds of risk-taking (OR=0.58, 95% CI: 0.37-0.91). Irregular walking was associated with higher odds of suffering from nerves (OR=2.58, 95% CI: 1.47-4.54) and loneliness/isolation (OR=1.82, 95% CI: 1.04-3.19).
CONCLUSION:
Among autistic adults aged 40-70 years, irregular participation in PA, particularly vigorous exercise and walking, is associated with poorer mental health status, including higher levels of negative emotions and lower risk-taking. Promoting regular PA could be a valuable strategy in public health initiatives aimed at improving the psychological well-being of autistic adults.