Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aerobic activity (cycling) on cognitive performance and executive functions in children with autism spectrum disorder.

Methods: The present study was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design accompanied by a control group. A total of 12 healthy children, 7 children with low-functioning autism, and 10 children with high-functioning autism were selected from the Tehran Autism Center. Children with autism, based on their performance level, underwent training for 16 weeks, one day per week, in a park environment on a cycling path under the supervision of parents and a trained instructor. Cognitive performance and executive functions were assessed using the Stroop test,, the N-back working memory test, and the Tower of Hanoi test at two stages: pre-test and post-test. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni post-hoc tests.

Results: The results showed that outdoor cycling significantly improved components of cognitive performance and executive functions, including inhibitory control, working memory, strategic planning, and problem-solving, in both groups of children with low-functioning and high-functioning autism. The calculated effect sizes for both groups were large.

Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, outdoor cycling, as an aerobic activity with cognitive-motor components (spatial updating and dynamic balance), can serve as an effective and non-pharmacological intervention for improving cognitive performance and executive functions in children with autism spectrum disorder.