Biochemical Responses to Physical or Cognitive Interventions in People with Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorders: Review of their Effects on Cortisol and α-Amylase Levels

Authors

  • Glykeria Kyriakidou Department of Physical Education & Sport Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
  • George Tsalis Department of Physical Education & Sport Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26253/heal.uth.ojs.ispe.2024.1992

Keywords:

anxiety, autism, Down syndrome, activity

Abstract

People with intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are affected by stressful stimuli, which can sometimes be intense but unexpressed. The aim of this review was to collect and examine the biochemical responses to stress in these individuals by measuring cortisol and α-amylase. The PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases were searched for articles on people with AD and ADHD from 2000 to 2023. Research on biochemical stress responses in people with ID and ASD is limited, and the effect of physical activity on cortisol levels in people with ID shows mixed results. Some activities, such as aqua dancing and swimming, suggest a reduction in cortisol levels and stress. However, other studies do not confirm the reduction and therapeutic riding shows inconsistent results. On the other hand, mixed results were also found for a-amylase levels, with one study showing an increase and another showing a decrease. The review highlights the importance of physical activity as a potential intervention to reduce stress in people with ID, despite conflicting results in some studies. Further research into these biomarkers is needed, and it is suggested that they should be measured in saliva, as this would be a convenient, non-invasive and more acceptable method of diagnosing potential stressors for people with ID and ASD. The information gathered will lead to a better understanding and help to guide appropriate interventions for these individuals where verbal communication is limited.

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Published

2025-01-16

How to Cite

Kyriakidou Γ., & Tsalis Γ. (2025). Biochemical Responses to Physical or Cognitive Interventions in People with Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorders: Review of their Effects on Cortisol and α-Amylase Levels . Inquiries in Physical Education and Sport, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.26253/heal.uth.ojs.ispe.2024.1992

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Section

Articles