The Effect of Exergame-Supported Training on Reaction Time and Agility

This study looks at whether a type of exercise video game, called an exergame, can help adolescent boys with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who play table tennis react faster and move more quickly (agility) during play. Twenty-four adolescent male table tennis players with mild ASD are taking part. Half of them add 20 minutes of exergame training, using a light-based reaction device, to their usual table tennis practice twice a week for 8 weeks. The other half continue their usual table tennis practice only, without the exergame. Reaction time is measured using a light-based reaction device, and agility is measured using a standard running drill (the T-test), before and after the 8-week period. This study aims to find out whether exergame training added to regular practice can help young table tennis players with ASD react and move faster during matches.

Inclusion Criteria: * Confirmed diagnosis of mild autism spectrum disorder (ASD), made by a child psychiatrist in accordance with DSM-5 criteria * Adolescent age * Competed in national table tennis competitions at least once * No orthopaedic disability * Not engaging in any exercise or training other than table tennis training Parental consent obtained Exclusion Criteria: * Orthopaedic disability * Participation in exercise or training other than table tennis * Absence of parental consent * Absence of a confirmed ASD diagnosis