Quality of reporting on physical activity content and teaching perspective: A scoping review on children with autism

This scoping review includes publications on the relationship between physical activity (PA) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-related symptoms in children. The aim was to map the existing literature, describe the outcome measures used, describe PA using the TiDieR checklist, and provide considerations regarding teaching perspectives. Seven bibliographic databases were searched and the PRISMA-extension for scoping reviews was used. Eighty-six studies were eligible for inclusion. The existing literature is characterized by variations in design and methods. The descriptions of the diagnoses and functional level of the children with ASD are inadequate. The symptomatology of autism is depicted in the outcome measures, but an awareness of the importance of quality of life is warranted. Reporting of PA according to the TiDieR is incomplete, and descriptions of teaching perspectives are insufficient. An increased focus on these issues would enhance the potential for replicability of research and aid the implementation and practical impact of research in this field.