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Pediatric Rehabilitation

The Role of Organized Exercise in Improving Motor Proficiency in Neurodivergent Children

Friday, October 24, 2025
8:00 AM - 9:15 AM MT
Location: Original Research Theater

    Co-Author(s)

  • Noah D. Chernik, Other

    Student
    New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
    Bay Shore, New York

    • Primary Author(s)

  • Kaitlin Tagliaferri

    Medical Student
    New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
    Glen Cove, New York

    • Co-Author(s)

  • AL

    Alexander Lopez, Other

    Associate Professor
    New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
    Old Westbury, New York

Disclosure(s):
Noah D. Chernik, Other: No financial relationships to disclose
Kaitlin Tagliaferri: No financial relationships to disclose
Background and/or Objectives: We assess the efficacy of a structured and skilled science-based fitness and habilitation training program on neurodivergent children and adolescents. We anticipate notable improvements in motor coordination, control, and proficiency after partipication in this program.

Design: Through a retrospective analysis, we analyzed tests of motor proficiency using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition (BOT-2). The BOT-2 is a standardized test that measures motor skills in children and young adults. All participants were tested prior to entry into the program, and were assessed throughout their time in the program.

Setting : Neurodivergent rehabilitation facility.

Participants : 51 neurodivergent participants with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or Down Syndrome. Ages ranged from 5 to 17 years old. All participants had at least two BOT-2 tests performed during participation in the fitness program.

Interventions: All individuals participated in the structured training and group fitness activities. Sessions were one hour in duration occurring twice per week. Sessions focused on exploring motor coordination, improving aerobic endurance, and enhancing motor coordination through exercise based games. BOT-2 tests were conducted before and after enrolling in the program.

Main Outcome Measures: The main outcome measures were the four main categories of assessment from the BOT-2: fine manual control, manual coordination, body coordination, and strength and agility. Composite scores of: total motor, fine motor, and gross motor were also included in this analysis..

Results: Statistically significant improvements were seen in both Manual Coordination and Strength and Agility measurements. The composite scores Total Motor and Gross Motor also had statistically significant improvements.

Conclusions: Our study demonstrates the positive effects of a structured exercise program for neurodivergent patients. Regardless of duration in the program, neurodivergent participants demonstrated improvements in coordination, strength, agility, and overall motor ability. Our findings indicate the efficacy of similar structure fitness and rehabilitation programs in the pediatric neurodivergent patient population.