SDSU HealthLINK Center for Transdisciplinary Health Disparities Research
SDSU HealthLINK Center for Transdisciplinary Health Disparities Research
Pilot Project
Physical Activity in Adolescents with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Key Facts
2-5%
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) constitute the leading known preventable neurodevelopmental disorders in the United State
1-5%
In the U.S., it is estimated that 1-5% of children are adversely affected by prenatal alcohol exposure1.
Cognitive impairments
Children exposed to alcohol during prenatal development display complex cognitive impairments and behavioral alterations3.
Project Summary
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are brain and behavior conditions caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy. These conditions can affect how a person thinks, feels, and behaves from childhood through adulthood. Although scientists have studied FASD for many years, there are still very few treatments available.
One promising idea is physical activity. Studies in animals show that exercise can help reduce the negative effects of alcohol exposure on the brain and behavior. Exercise has also helped children with other developmental conditions. However, very few studies have looked at how physical activity might help adolescents with FASD.
This project will study how active adolescents with FASD are and how their activity levels relate to thinking skills, emotions, and outside factors like family and community support.
What this new project will do
Explore External Factors
Explore how outside factors like family support and community resources affect physical activity and health.
Measure Physical Activity
Measure physical activity in adolescents with FASD using Fitbits and questionnaires.
Physical activity and thinking
Study how physical activity relates to thinking skills and emotional health.
Apply Research Findings
Use the results to better understand how exercise might help improve life for people with FASD.
Why This Research Matters
FASD affects many young people and can lead to lifelong challenges. Physical activity is a simple and low-cost way to improve health, but we need to know more about how it works for people with FASD.
Support Adolescents
Find new ways to support adolescents with FASD through accessible interventions.
Improve Health Outcomes
Improve thinking and emotional health through exercise.
Guide Future Programs
Guide future programs and treatments that use physical activity.
Better Lives
Help people with FASD live better lives through evidence-based approaches.
Project Team
Project Lead
Jessica Baker, PhD
Assistant Research Professor, Department of Psychology, SDSU
