Impact of the SPARK Physical Education Program on Physical Activity Engagement, Social Competence, and Resilience in Children with Autism

Document Type : Original Article/Open Access/ Released under (CC BY-NC 4.0) license

Authors

1 Department of Physical Education, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Physical Rehabilitation, massage and health-improving physical culture named after I. M. Sarkizov-Serazini RSUFKSMiT, 105122, Russia, Moscow

3 Department of Physical Education, Malekan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Malekan, Iran

4 MA Student in Sport Psychology, Department of Physical Education, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

The influence of the SPARK physical education program on various dimensions of children with autism, specifically regarding their engagement in physical activities, development of social skills, and resilience, has been insufficiently explored. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of the SPARK physical education program on these key areas in children with autism. Employing a quasi-experimental design, the research included both pre-test and post-test assessments alongside a control group. A total of 40 male students aged 7 to 8 years with autism were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to either the experimental (SPARK) group or the control group. Standardized instruments were utilized to evaluate the research variables. The SPARK program comprised 36 sessions, each lasting 30 minutes, conducted three times a week. Data analysis was performed using analysis of covariance. Participants in the SPARK group engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for an average of 11.94 minutes per day, compared to 11.44 minutes for those in the control group. The findings indicated that participation in the SPARK physical education program significantly enhanced physical activity engagement, social skills, and resilience among the children (P < 0.05). Therefore, it is crucial to consider targeted interventions like the SPARK physical education program within physical education curricula for children with mental and physical challenges.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Mind, Movement, and Behavior
Volume 5, Issue 1
March 2026
Pages 220-238

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History

  • Receive Date: 23 January 2025
  • Revise Date: 11 July 2025
  • Accept Date: 11 February 2026

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