Grau de recomendação das intervenções fisioterapêuticas para crianças e adolescentes com transtorno do espectro autista: dados preliminares de uma visão geral de revisões sistemáticas

Abstract

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in communication, social interaction, and behavior, often associated with motor impairments that affect functionality and social participation. Physical therapy plays a key role in this context, although gaps remain regarding the most effective and evidence-based interventions. Objective: To analyze the degree of recommendation of physical therapy interventions for children and adolescents with ASD. Methodology: This study is an overview of systematic reviews, registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023485907). Reviews investigating motor physical therapy interventions in children and adolescents with ASD were included. The level of evidence was assessed using the GRADE system, and the degree of recommendation was determined according to the “traffic light system”: do it, probably do it, probably don’t do it, and don’t do it. Results: Nine systematic reviews were included, analyzing 62 articles on physical therapy interventions. The most studied interventions were gross motor function training, task-specific training, hippotherapy, hydrotherapy, psychomotricity, and videogame-based therapy. Most showed positive effects on motor and functional outcomes, but with low to very low levels of evidence, reflecting methodological limitations. The degree of recommendation ranged from “probably do it” to “probably don’t do it.” Conclusion: Evidence indicates that motor physiotherapy interventions have positive effects on children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder, especially regarding motor function and physical performance. However, the low methodological quality of studies limits the strength of recommendations, highlighting the need for more rigorous research to strengthen evidence -based physiotherapy practice for individuals with ASD.