Comorbid psychiatric conditions are highly prevalent in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Habitual walking may have beneficial effects on mental health; however, it may increase social interactions, which are difficult for individuals with ASD. Hence, the beneficial influence of habitual walking on mental health may be limited to individuals without ASD. A cross-sectional study of 3,823 participants was conducted. Mental disorder was defined as a Kessler Psychological Distress Scale score ≥13. Participants with ASD diagnosis and an autism-spectrum quotient score ≥33 points were also regarded as having ASD. Among participants without ASD, in the reference group with no habitual walking, the fully adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of mental disorders for walking at least 1 day/week but <3 days/week, walking at least 3 days/week but <7 days/week, and walking every day were 0.96 (0.70 and 1.33), 0.83 (0.64 and 1.08), and 0.68 (0.49 and 0.96), respectively. Among those with ASD, the corresponding values were 1.29 (0.62 and 2.72), 1.33 (0.72 and 2.45), and 1.55 (0.69 and 3.46), respectively. ASD status determines the association between habitual walking and mental disorders. For individuals with ASD, habitual walking may not be effective for preventing and treating mental disorders.

Habitual walking and mental disorder in relation to autism spectrum disorder