IncluMove 1.0: inclusive educational software for the development of gross motor skills of students with ASD in physical education

Abstract

Introduction. The development of gross motor skills in students with ASD is a challenge in education, crucial for their autonomy. Educational software emerges as a solution to improve these skills and promote inclusion. Objective. To analyze the effectiveness of the educational software IncluMove 1.0 designed as an inclusive tool for the development of gross motor skills in students with ASD. Methodology. The study was developed using a quantitative approach of pre-experimental design, with an applicative-explanatory scope. A sample of 10 students was selected, one of them with a diagnosis of ASD. The Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2) was applied to assess motor development before and after a 16-week intervention using IncluMove 1.0 software. The data obtained were analyzed using statistical tests in the SPSS 26 statistical package. Results. Significant improvements in gross motor development in the students, both in those with ASD and in their peers without ASD. In particular, the student with ASD showed an improvement in the gross motor coefficient (CMG), going from a poor level to an average level after the intervention. In the general group, improvements were observed in all the parameters evaluated, with statistically significant differences at a level of P≤0.05, evidencing the effectiveness of the IncluMove 1.0 software. Conclusion. IncluMove 1.0 educational software proved to be an effective tool to improve gross motor development in students with ASD, contributing to their inclusion in the school environment. General area of study: Education. Specific area of study: Inclusive education. Type of study: Original articles.