The Effect of Endurance Training and Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Sleep Quality in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Background: Autism is a developmental disorder that impairs social relationships. Sleep disorders are one of the major problems of patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Objectives: Concerning the need to investigate problems and impairments caused by this disease, the present study aimed at determining the effect of an eight-week endurance training program plus Q10 supplementation on sleep quality in children with ASD in 2017. Methods: The present double-blind study was performed on three experimental groups. Group 1 performed eight-week endurance training on a one-mile distance as brisk walking. Group 2 received 100 mg Q10 supplements daily and Group 3 underwent a combination of both interventions. Pre- and post-tests were performed to determine the sleep habits of the study subjects using the childrenchr('39')s sleep habits questionnaire (CSHQ) by parents. Finally, the pre- and post-tests data were compared using the paired samples t-test. Results: A significant difference was observed between the pre- and post-test results in the mean total and eight subscales scores in the endurance training plus Q10 supplementation group (P <0.05). There was no significant difference between the pre- and post-test results in the sleep anxiety and sleep-disordered breathing subscales in the endurance training group and the sleep-disordered breathing subscale in the supplementation group. Conclusion: According to the study results, it seems that the sleep of children with autism was improved by increased physical activity and Q10 supplementation.